Search

Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common mood disorder associated with stroke. By investigating the differences in life quality factors among stroke survivors, the results of this study offer insights into how to better prevent and manage the onset and progression of depression. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study that selected patients receiving treatment in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Hebei University Affiliated Hospital from September 1 to November 30, 2023. The inclusion criteria for this study were as follows: 1. Age ≥ 18 years; 2. Diagnosis of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke confirmed by imaging examination. The exclusion criteria included: 1. A history of psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety prior to the onset of the illness; 2. History of psychiatric medication use before the onset; 3. Functional impairments, such as speech, cognitive, or consciousness disorders, that hinder cooperation with the survey questionnaire. Ultimately, a total of 131 patients were included in the study. Based on the results of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), patients were divided into the PSD group and the non-PSD group. The primary evaluation metrics included the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), allowing for a comparison of demographic, clinical data, and evaluation metrics between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, and GraphPad Prism version 9.0 was used for graphical representations. Results: The morbidity rate of PSD in this study was 48%, which was slightly higher than the global statistical data. The demographic data did not show any statistical differences in terms of age, sex, history of smoking and drinking, or occupation, but they did show a significant difference in terms of education level (p < 0.05), which was primarily related to low education level in the PSD group. In contrast, the clinical data did not show any differences in terms of stroke type, pathogenic site, or medical history (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, statistical results indicated no significant difference in the mRS between the two groups. However, the GSES, VAS, and FAS showed significant differences. This suggests a strong correlation between GSES, VAS, and FAS with the occurrence of PSD, indicating that these factors may serve as predictors for PSD. In medical practice, focusing on patients' self-efficacy, pain, and fatigue levels could facilitate recovery. When developing rehabilitation plans, it is crucial to minimize patients' feelings of self-defeat, enhance their self-efficacy, and manage fatigue effectively. Furthermore, reinforcing pain management throughout the rehabilitation process may promote more effective patient recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to analyse the relevant factors that may affect post-stroke fatigue (PSF) in patients with stroke and further explore the correlation between family functioning and PSF. Methods: Patients who had experienced a first episode of stroke and were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were rigorously screened. The general data and family functioning of the patients on admission were collected, and their family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve scores and their PSF on the 5th day of admission were collected using the fatigue severity scale (FSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was then utilized to explore the factors affecting PSF in patients with stroke. Results: A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, and 220 were returned, with 212 valid questionnaires and a valid return rate of 96.4%. These 212 patients had a family functioning score of 6.58 ± 2.00 and an FSS score of 36.62 ± 10.96. Spearman's correlation analysis showed negative correlations between the FSS scores and the adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, resolve and family functioning scores (r = -0.380, -0.505, -0.470, -0.303, -0.281 and -0.712, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that family functioning (β' = -0.516), marital status (β' = -0.244), household income (β' = -0.185), literacy (β' = -0.181) and activities of daily living (β' = -0.084) were influential factors for PSF in patients with stroke (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant negative correlation between family functioning and PSF, suggesting that better family functioning may help mitigate the severity of post-stroke fatigue. Healthcare providers should identify interventions to help patients and families address fatigue, boost disease recovery, promote patients' physical and mental health and improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatigue is one of the common symptoms in patients with chronic medical conditions like kidney failure that require hemodialysis. It is also associated with bad quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate it using tools like Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the translated FSS. Methods: FSS was performed on 41 chronic kidney patients undergoing dialysis. The FSS used in the study was translated from English to Bahasa Indonesia by the team. The questionnaire was assessed for its reliability and validity using Cronbach’s Alpha (CA) and Pearson Validity Test, respectively. Reliability for each item was also evaluated using the corrected item-total correlation. The scale is reliable if its CA value >0.6 and valid if the r-value is higher than the expected r on Pearson's table. Results: The scale was perceived as reliable based on the CA values from both respondent groups: 0.968 for HD and 0.952 for the CAPD group. All nine items were also deemed reliable based on the corrected item-total correlation score. Based on both r and Sig values, the translated FSS was valid for all groups: r>0.433 for HD, r>0.444 for CAPD, and Sig value

Abstract Background Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common mood disorder associated with stroke. By investigating the differences in life quality factors among stroke survivors, the results of this study offer insights into how to better prevent and manage the onset and progression of depression. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study that selected patients receiving treatment in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Hebei University Affiliated Hospital from September 1 to November 30, 2023. The inclusion criteria for this study were as follows: 1. Age ≥ 18 years; 2. Diagnosis of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke confirmed by imaging examination. The exclusion criteria included: 1. A history of psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety prior to the onset of the illness; 2. History of psychiatric medication use before the onset; 3. Functional impairments, such as speech, cognitive, or consciousness disorders, that hinder cooperation with the survey questionnaire. Ultimately, a total of 131 patients were included in the study. Based on the results of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), patients were divided into the PSD group and the non-PSD group. The primary evaluation metrics included the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), allowing for a comparison of demographic, clinical data, and evaluation metrics between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, and GraphPad Prism version 9.0 was used for graphical representations. Results The morbidity rate of PSD in this study was 48%, which was slightly higher than the global statistical data. The demographic data did not show any statistical differences in terms of age, sex, history of smoking and drinking, or occupation, but they did show a significant difference in terms of education level (p 0.05). Conclusion In this study, statistical results indicated no significant difference in the mRS between the two groups. However, the GSES, VAS, and FAS showed significant differences. This suggests a strong correlation between GSES, VAS, and FAS with the occurrence of PSD, indicating that these factors may serve as predictors for PSD. In medical practice, focusing on patients’ self-efficacy, pain, and fatigue levels could facilitate recovery. When developing rehabilitation plans, it is crucial to minimize patients’ feelings of self-defeat, enhance their self-efficacy, and manage fatigue effectively. Furthermore, reinforcing pain management throughout the rehabilitation process may promote more effective patient recovery.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the methodological quality and measurement attribute quality of the post-stroke fatigue measurement scale, so as to provide some basis for the clinical application and promotion of related scales. Methods: The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, the Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, the Chinese Biology Medicine, PubMed, Embase, Medline, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for literature on the poststroke fatigue measurement scale up to June 2022. Literature screening and data extraction were carried out independently by two researchers, and in the case of disagreement, discussions were held with a third investigator to reach an agreement, and the COSMIN checklist and criteria were used to systematically evaluate the attributes of the measurement scale. Results: A total of 17 studies were included, involving 10 post-stroke fatigue measurement scales. The content validity of FSS-7, FACIT-F, NRS-FRS, and MFI- 20 was "not mentioned," and the remaining scales were "uncertain." In terms of construct validity, MFS was "adequate"; FSS-7, FACIT-F, and NRS-FRS were "not mentioned"; and the remaining scales were "uncertain." In terms of internal consistency, NRS-FRS was "not mentioned"; FSS and MFS were "adequate"; and the remaining scales were "uncertain." In terms of hypothesis testing, CIS and FACIT-F were "not mentioned," NRS-FRS was "adequate," and the remaining scales were "uncertain." The stability of FSS-7, CIS, FACIT-F, and MFI-20 was "not mentioned," and the remaining scales were "adequate." The cross-cultural validity of FSS-7 was "adequate," and the remaining scales were "not mentioned." All 10 scales were given a recommendation grade of "B". Conclusion: For the time being, the FSS can be recommended to measure poststroke fatigue, but it still needs to be tested for more relevant measurement properties in order to gain more support from high-quality evidence. For a more comprehensive assessment of post-stroke fatigue, the FIS, FAS, and NFIstroke should perhaps be considered, as the FSS is a one-dimensional scale that can only measure physical fatigue in patients; however, these scales also need to be tested for more relevant measurement properties to verify their clinical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom encountered in the neuromuscular clinic. The 7‐item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS‐7) is a Rasch‐modified assessment validated in inflammatory neuropathies but not across a typical neuromuscular patient population. The aim of this study was to validate this measure in neuromuscular disorders and to compare between patient sex, age and diagnoses. Methods: The modified FSS‐7 was mailed to patients recruited from a specialist neuromuscular clinic at the Walton Centre. Responses were subjected to Rasch analysis and descriptive statistics were performed on the Rasch converted data. Results: The mFSS‐7 met the Rasch model expectations with an overall Chi‐square probability of 0.4918, a strict unidimensional scale free from differential item functioning (DIF) that satisfied the model with substantial test–retest reliability using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.77). A 15.7% ceiling effect was observed in this patient cohort. Post hoc analysis did not show any significant difference in fatigue between sex, age or neuromuscular diagnoses. Discussion: The self‐completed Rasch mFSS‐7 showed acceptable test–retest reliability across patients with varied disorders under follow‐up in a specialist neuromuscular clinic. The ceiling effect constrains its use for those with the most severe fatigue. Future considerations could include assessment of the benefits of clinical interventions, particularly multidisciplinary team input or dedicated fatigue clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic crisis, the supplement market has consistently grown. Therefore, we conducted this survey during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to study the frequency and context of dietary supplement (DS) consumption (vitamins and mineral intake) and explore the consumer’s pharmaceutical buying behaviour; and (3) to study its determinants as regards the demographics, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and healthy eating pyramids. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey on 1333 Arabic adults aged 18 years or more residing in six Arabic-speaking countries in May 2022, using a validated self-administrated questionnaire. The survey-involved questions about sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, FSS, healthy eating pyramid, DS consumption, and consumers’ pharmaceutical purchasing behaviour. Results Most participants were aged 20 to less than 35 years, and 64.6% used dietary supplements. There was a statistically significant difference between supplement users and nonusers as regards consumers’ pharmaceutical buying behaviour in terms of advertising quality, safety rules, pharmaceutical forms, and packet quality. Arabic adults consumed the following dietary supplements: 63.5% vitamin C, 60.1% vitamin D, 47.1% iron, and 44.4% zinc. Authorised products (76.0%), natural contents (75.0%), and safety rules (68%), were the most common factors influencing Arabic consumers’ pharmaceutical purchasing behavior. Multi-logistic regression analysis showed that being female, having a history of COVID-19, having a positive attitude about the benefits, and being recommended for supplement use were predictors of dietary supplement use. Conclusion The dietary consumption of supplements is prevalent, mainly including vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, zinc, vitamin B, and magnesium. In addition, Arabic adults are poorly adherent to healthy eating pyramids. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Arabic health authorities should prioritize this issue to minimize the potential for misusing dietary supplements.

Zhuhua Jin,1,2 Lei Zhu,3 Shuping Zhou,2,4 Chao Lu2,4 1Department of Information Management, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People’s Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Economics and Management, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People’s Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China; 4First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People’s Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Lei Zhu, Department of Neurology, Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People’s Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China, Email salimai@126.com Chao Lu, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People’s Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China, Email 765385306@qq.comBackground: Post-stroke Fatigue (PSF) after Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) is a long-term symptom in stroke survivors. However, the pathogenesis of PSF remains inadequately understood and sufficient evidence-based treatments are lacking. Mobile health (mHealth) technology offers a promising approach to expanding access to high-quality and culturally tailored evidence-based mental care.Aim: This study examined the role of mHealth called iHealth in the management of PSF after ICH.Methods: A total of 225 patients diagnosed with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the Mobile Health Intervention Group (mHI Group) or the non-Mobile Health Intervention Group (non-mHI). The management involved the utilization of a digital healthcare application named iHealth, which incorporated digital questionnaires, fatigue scale tests, and online videos for the purpose of administering the Patient Fatigue Reporting Measurement Information System (PFRMIS) short form as part of the initial patient assessment following ICH. The study was conducted remotely via video conferencing over a 12-week period in mHI Group, with fatigue assessments being conducted 3 months post-ICH onset in two groups.Results: Following the administration of PSF by iHealth, Univariate Logistic analyses indicated a significant association between fatigue and the type of activity, with patients who were sedentary or did nothing experiencing higher levels of fatigue (β=2.332, p< 0.001; β=2.517, p< 0.001). Multivariate Logistic analyses demonstrated a positive association between the intensity of physical activity and decreased emotional well-being and family support, as well as increased fatigue. (p=0.001, p=0.002, p=0.001). The FSS results demonstrated a significantly reduced incidence of PSF in the MHI group in comparison to non-mHI group following the conclusion of the programme. (13.1% vs 40%, p< 0.001).Conclusion: This study explored the effectiveness of the iHealth app for PSF following ICH, indicating that iHealth is a clinically valuable tool that warrants further dissemination.Keywords: post-stroke fatigue, mobile health intervention, fatigue severity scale, intracerebral hemorrhage, iHealth

Background: Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic crisis, the supplement market has consistently grown. Therefore, we conducted this survey during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to study the frequency and context of dietary supplement (DS) consumption (vitamins and mineral intake) and explore the consumer's pharmaceutical buying behaviour; and (3) to study its determinants as regards the demographics, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and healthy eating pyramids. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey on 1333 Arabic adults aged 18 years or more residing in six Arabic-speaking countries in May 2022, using a validated self-administrated questionnaire. The survey-involved questions about sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, FSS, healthy eating pyramid, DS consumption, and consumers' pharmaceutical purchasing behaviour. Results: Most participants were aged 20 to less than 35 years, and 64.6% used dietary supplements. There was a statistically significant difference between supplement users and nonusers as regards consumers' pharmaceutical buying behaviour in terms of advertising quality, safety rules, pharmaceutical forms, and packet quality. Arabic adults consumed the following dietary supplements: 63.5% vitamin C, 60.1% vitamin D, 47.1% iron, and 44.4% zinc. Authorised products (76.0%), natural contents (75.0%), and safety rules (68%), were the most common factors influencing Arabic consumers' pharmaceutical purchasing behavior. Multi-logistic regression analysis showed that being female, having a history of COVID-19, having a positive attitude about the benefits, and being recommended for supplement use were predictors of dietary supplement use. Conclusion: The dietary consumption of supplements is prevalent, mainly including vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, zinc, vitamin B, and magnesium. In addition, Arabic adults are poorly adherent to healthy eating pyramids. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Arabic health authorities should prioritize this issue to minimize the potential for misusing dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatigue has been observed after the outbreaks of several infectious diseases around the world. To explore the fatigue level among physicians working in COVID‐19‐designated hospitals in Bangladesh, a matched case‒control study was conducted on post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 fatigue. Method: In this study, 105 physicians diagnosed with COVID‐19 who were declared cured at least 6 weeks before the interview date were recruited as cases, and the same number of age‐ and designation‐matched healthy physicians were recruited as controls from the same hospital at a 1:1 ratio. Diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection was confirmed by detection of SARS CoV‐2 antigen by RT‒PCR from reference laboratories in Bangladesh or by HRCT chest. Result: Approximately two‐thirds of the physicians were male (67.6% vs. 32.4%). More than 80% of them were younger than 40 years. The cases had a significantly greater number of comorbid conditions. The fatigue severity scale (FSS) score (mean) was much higher for cases (36.7 ± 5.3 vs. 19.3 ± 3.8) than for the control group, with a statistically significant difference. Similarly, approximately 67.7% of the previously COVID‐19‐positive physicians were in the highest FSS score tertile compared to the respondents in the control group, who had a mean score of <3. Conclusion: Physicians who had a previous history of COVID‐19 infection had significantly higher total and mean FSS scores, signifying a more severe level of fatigue than physicians who had never been COVID‐19 positive while working in the same hospital irrespective of their age and sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A disorder characterized by airway obstruction and breathing difficulty is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Fatigue is one of the typical signs and symptoms of COPD. Fatigue is the term used to describe a persistent feeling of exhaustion, and it can have a significant negative influence on person's capacity to carry out everyday tasks. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze how low impact aerobic training and upper limb strengthening exercise is effective in dyspnea and fatigue level among individuals with COPD. Materials and Methods: The 106 subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from Hepziba Chest Clinic and Spirometry centre, Nagercoil. The pre and post-test values were measured using the BORG scale and Fatigue Severity Scale. The subjects were allocated into two groups. Low impact Aerobic training group:(n=53) received aerobic training with conventional exercise and Upper limb strengthening group:(n=53) received upper limb strengthening exercise with conventional exercise. The study was done for four weeks. The entire procedure was performed from October 2022 to july 2023 Results: When comparing the low impact Aerobic training group with upper limb strengthening group, the low impact Aerobic training group indicates significant (p<0.0001) effect in lowering the fatigue level as assessed by Borg scale and Fatigue Severity Scale. Conclusion: The study concluded that Low impact Aerobic training had a significant effect compared to upper limb strengthening exercise on Dyspnea and Fatigue Severity Scale among individuals with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Fatigue has been observed after the outbreaks of several infectious diseases around the world. To explore the fatigue level among physicians working in COVID‐19‐designated hospitals in Bangladesh, a matched case‒control study was conducted on post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 fatigue. Method In this study, 105 physicians diagnosed with COVID‐19 who were declared cured at least 6 weeks before the interview date were recruited as cases, and the same number of age‐ and designation‐matched healthy physicians were recruited as controls from the same hospital at a 1:1 ratio. Diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection was confirmed by detection of SARS CoV‐2 antigen by RT‒PCR from reference laboratories in Bangladesh or by HRCT chest. Result Approximately two‐thirds of the physicians were male (67.6% vs. 32.4%). More than 80% of them were younger than 40 years. The cases had a significantly greater number of comorbid conditions. The fatigue severity scale (FSS) score (mean) was much higher for cases (36.7 ± 5.3 vs. 19.3 ± 3.8) than for the control group, with a statistically significant difference. Similarly, approximately 67.7% of the previously COVID‐19‐positive physicians were in the highest FSS score tertile compared to the respondents in the control group, who had a mean score of

Fatigue is a frequently occurring and persistent symptom after stroke. Many biological, psychosocial, and behavioural factors are associated with poststroke fatigue, but research into associations with personality traits is relatively sparse. In this study, we explored whether personality traits were related to poststroke fatigue measured with conventional fatigue questionnaires as well as experience sampling methodology (ESM). Twenty-four individuals with stroke completed 10 daily questionnaires about momentary (here-and-now) fatigue for six consecutive days using the mHealth ESM application PsyMateTM. Further, they completed questionnaires assessing personality (NEO-FFI and LOR-T) and fatigue (FSS). Results showed that higher extraversion (ß = -.44, SE =.12, p =.001; 95% CI = -.67-.19) and optimism (ß = -.18, SE =.06, p =.007; 95% CI = -.30-.05) were associated with lower momentary fatigue. No association was found between neuroticism and momentary fatigue, but higher neuroticism (r = 0.531, p =.008, 95% CI =.160-.759; r =.574, p =.003, 95% CI =.245-.767) was associated with higher scores on the retrospective FSS scales. We conclude that personality traits differentially influence poststroke fatigue, but this also depends on the way fatigue is measured (with retrospective or with momentary measures). When functional gains are not in line with expected progress during the rehabilitation treatment of fatigue, it may be appropriate to take into account how person characteristics are related to momentary fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic COVID syndrome is characterized by chronic fatigue, myalgia, depression and sleep disturbances, similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia syndrome. Implementations of mitochondrial nutrients (MNs) with diet are important for the clinical effects antioxidant. We examined if use of an association of coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid (Requpero®) could reduce chronic covid symptoms. The Requpero study is a prospective observational study in which 174 patients, who had developed chronic-covid syndrome, were divided in two groups: The first one (116 patients) received coenzyme Q10 + alpha lipoic acid, and the second one (58 patients) did not receive any treatment. Primary outcome was reduction in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in treatment group compared with control group. complete FSS response was reached most frequently in treatment group than in control group. A FSS complete response was reached in 62 (53.5%) patients in treatment group and in two (3.5%) patients in control group. A reduction in FSS core < 20% from baseline at T1 (non-response) was observed in 11 patients in the treatment group (9.5%) and in 15 patients in the control group (25.9%) (p < 0.0001). To date, this is the first study that tests the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid in chronic Covid syndrome. Primary and secondary outcomes were met. These results have to be confirmed through a double blind placebo controlled trial of longer duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Fatigue is a common symptom in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients recovering from COVID-19, but no fatigue measurement scales or questions have been validated in these populations. The objective of this study was to perform validity assessments of the fatigue severity scale (FSS) and two single-item screening questions (SISQs) for fatigue in patients recovering from COVID-19. Methods We examined patients ≥ 28 days after their first SARS-CoV-2 infection who were hospitalized for their acute illness, as well as non-hospitalized patients referred for persistent symptoms. Patients completed questionnaires through 1 of 4 Post COVID-19 Recovery Clinics in British Columbia, Canada. Construct validity was assessed by comparing FSS scores to quality of life and depression measures. Two SISQs were evaluated based on the ability to classify fatigue (FSS score ≥ 4). Results Questionnaires were returned in 548 hospitalized and 546 non-hospitalized patients, with scores computable in 96.4% and 98.2% of patients respectively. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 in both groups. The mean ± SD FSS score was 4.4 ± 1.8 in the hospitalized and 5.2 ± 1.6 in the non-hospitalized group, with 62.5% hospitalized and 78.9% non-hospitalized patients classified as fatigued. Ceiling effects were 7.6% in the hospitalized and 16.1% in non-hospitalized patients. FSS scores negatively correlated with EQ-5D scores in both groups (Spearman’s rho − 0.6 in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized; p

The magnitude of post-COVID-19 syndrome was not thoroughly investigated. This study evaluated the quality of life and persistence of fatigue and physical symptoms of individuals post-COVID-19 compared with noninfected controls. The study included 965 participants; 400 had previous COVID-19 disease and 565 controls without COVID-19. The questionnaire collected data on comorbidities, COVID-19 vaccination, general health questions, and physical symptoms, in addition to validated measures of quality of life (SF-36 scale), fatigue (fatigue severity scale, FSS), and dyspnea grade. COVID-19 participants complained more frequently of weakness, muscle pain, respiratory symptoms, voice disorders, imbalance, taste and smell loss, and menstrual problems compared to the controls. Joint symptoms, tingling, numbness, hypo/hypertension, sexual dysfunction, headache, bowel, urinary, cardiac, and visual symptoms did not differ between groups. Dyspnea grade II–IV did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.116). COVID-19 patients scored lower on the SF-36 domains of role physical (p = 0.045), vitality (p < 0.001), reported health changes (p < 0.001), and mental-components summary (p = 0.014). FSS scores were significantly higher in COVID-19 participants (3 (1.8–4.3) vs. 2.6 (1.4–4); p < 0.001). COVID-19 effects could persist beyond the acute infection phase. These effects include changes in quality of life, fatigue, and persistence of physical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial aviation pilots are an occupational group that work in particular conditions, with frequent schedule changes, shift work, unfavorable environmental conditions, etc. These circumstances can lead to fatigue, work overload (WO), and daytime sleepiness, factors that can affect their health and safety. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the association between these parameters in a sample of Spanish commercial airline pilots. The Raw TLX, Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires were administered in a sample of 283 participants. The relationships of the total scores between all the questionnaires were studied by the chi-square test and the risk scores (odds ratio) were calculated. Different models using multiple linear regression were carried out to evaluate the effects of WO, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness, among the total scores, age, and flight hours. Additionally, the internal consistency of each questionnaire was estimated. A total of 28.2% presented WO above the 75th percentile, with mental and temporal demand the dimensions with the greatest weight. A total of 18% of pilots presented fatigue, 15.8% moderate sleepiness, and 3.9% severe sleepiness. We observed an association among WO, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness, important factors related to pilot health and aviation safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this prospective observational study was to assess the relationship between chronic fatigue, etiology of disease, age, gender, duration of disease, stage of liver fibrosis and degree of inflammation in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. 233 patients with chronic viral hepatitis at the Infectious Diseases Hospital of Shymkent City and the Regional Hepatological Center of Shymkent City were enrolled between March 2021 and January 2022. All patients were surveyed on a Fatigue Severity Score Scale (FSS) to confirm the presence of chronic fatigue. A total score of 4 or higher indicates the presence of chronic fatigue. Clinical data included age, gender, etiology of disease, duration of disease, stage of liver fibrosis, serum ALT levels and serum AST levels. Subsequent multiple regression analysis showed that older age (p

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common complication of stroke that has a negative impact on prognosis and recovery. We aimed to investigate the relationship between PSF and demographics, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and other clinical characteristics of patients with stroke. In this exploratory cross-sectional study, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, biological indicators, and imaging features and evaluated patients using neuropsychological scales. Patients were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were primarily used to evaluate infarctions and white matter lesions. The correlation between the PSF of patients with stroke and clinical indicators was obtained by logistic regression analysis and power analysis. We observed an independent association between fatigue severity and female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–3.94), depressive state (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01–1.73), and sleep disorders (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01–1.98). High levels of blood glucose, serum uric acid, and homocysteine and low levels of serum triiodothyronine were strongly associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with stroke. Further studies are needed to elucidate how specific structural lesions and anxiety symptoms are related to early PSF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of premature death in India. In India, it is estimated that there are approximately 2-2.5 million cases of cancer. Cancer and its treatment are often associated with adverse physical side effects, including muscular atrophy, decreased muscle strength, and reduced aerobic capacity. These side effects may contribute to the development of cancer-related fatigue (CRF). The authors across the world have agreed that there is a paucity of studies in this field to encapsulate the fatigue caused to cancer patients while undergoing chemotherapy. About 70% of cancer patients report fatigue complaints during chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Fatigue is usually caused by a combination of factors. Recent research suggests, however, that weariness may be induced by changes in the muscle energy systems produced by cancer and its treatment. Through evidential studies, occupational therapy by an exercise program and relaxation techniques has helped to avoid this fatigue and lessen the severity while undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: To study the effect of exercise programs and relaxation techniques on fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with hematologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Study Design: The study design was an experimental study. Methods: The total number of patients with a diagnosis of hematology cancer selected was 240; the patients in the control group were 120 and the patients in the experimental group were 120. The patients were selected from the day-care and indoor patient division of Nil Ratan Sarkar Medical College and hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India; pre- and post-intervention data were taken using the Fatigue Severity Scale, Physical Performance Test, and World Health Organization QOL-BREF. The experimental group received 30 min for relaxation and 30 min for exercises and the experimental group was treated thrice a week for 12 weeks periodically over 3 years. The control group was under conventional therapy (chemotherapy as per their prescription) along with home-based OT program. They have also reassessed after 12 weeks. Results: Independent t-test indicated statistically significant differences between groups in fatigue, physical performance, and QOL (P < 0.05). At last, the Chi-square (χ²) test showed that there was no significant association between the status of health at last contact and the age of the patient (P = 0.23). Conclusion: Exercise therapy and relaxation techniques decrease fatigue and improve physical performance and QOL in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fatigue is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fatigue severity scale (FSS) is used to measure fatigue. This study was aimed to develop a culturally adapted Bangla version of the English FSS and to validate it. Methods: English version of FSS was translated into Bangla and adapted in the local sociocultural context, following the recommendations of Beaton et al. One hundred and twenty SLE patients were assessed in the Rheumatology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Content validity of the adapted Bangla version was evaluated by item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index (S-CVI). Correlation between FSS and health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) and 12 item short form health survey (SF-12) was measured for the assessment of convergent validity. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were also assessed. Results: Our procedure had no problem with the content and language. I-CVI and S-CVI for each item was one. FSS showed strong positive correlation (>0.7) with HAQ-DI and strong negative correlation (>−0.7) with SF-12. The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93). Conclusions: The adapted Bangla version of FSS is a reliable and valid instrument and can be recommended for the self-assessment of fatigue in SLE patients.

Abstract Background Because of the absence of biological parameters for fatigue, appropriate instruments for assessing the degree of fatigue are important in the diagnosis and management of people complaining of fatigue-like symptoms. This study statistically analyzed the fatigue scores from two typical questionnaire-based instruments: the Korean version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-K) and the modified Chalder Fatigue Scale (mKCFQ). Methods Seventy participants (males n = 40, females n = 30, median age 48 years old, range of 25–67) were grouped into three groups (‘mild’ = 20, ‘moderate’ = 42, and ‘severe’ = 8) according to self-reported fatigue levels using a 7-point Likert scale. The similarities and differences between two instrument-derived scores were analyzed using correlations (r) and multidimensional scaling (MDS). Results The total scores of the two assessments were significantly correlated (r = 75%, p 0.05). Conclusions Our results may indicate the usefulness of the two instruments, especially for the physical symptoms of fatigue (‘general’ and ‘physical’ fatigue). Furthermore, the MFI-K may be useful for conditions of moderate-to-severe fatigue, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, but the mKCFQ may be useful for all spectra of fatigue, including in subhealthy people.

Background: Fatigue is one of the most disabling non-motor symptoms in PD. Researchers have previously used cut-offs validated in non-PD conditions when using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) or the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) scores to evaluate fatigue in PD. Objective: We used a set of criteria for diagnosing clinically significant fatigue in PD to identify the proper cut-offs of the FSS and MFI. Methods: One hundred thirty-one PD patients (59F; age 67.3 ± 7.6 y; H&Y 1.6 ± 0.7) were assessed for clinically significant fatigue, followed by the FSS, MFI, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). Mean scores were compared between 17 patients who met diagnostic criteria (significant fatigue group, SFG) and 114 who did not (non-significant fatigue group, NSFG). Results: The SFG had significantly higher scores in the 9-item FSS (p

Background: Fatigue is a common symptom in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients recovering from COVID-19, but no fatigue measurement scales or questions have been validated in these populations. The objective of this study was to perform validity assessments of the fatigue severity scale (FSS) and two single-item screening questions (SISQs) for fatigue in patients recovering from COVID-19. Methods: We examined patients ≥ 28 days after their first SARS-CoV-2 infection who were hospitalized for their acute illness, as well as non-hospitalized patients referred for persistent symptoms. Patients completed questionnaires through 1 of 4 Post COVID-19 Recovery Clinics in British Columbia, Canada. Construct validity was assessed by comparing FSS scores to quality of life and depression measures. Two SISQs were evaluated based on the ability to classify fatigue (FSS score ≥ 4). Results: Questionnaires were returned in 548 hospitalized and 546 non-hospitalized patients, with scores computable in 96.4% and 98.2% of patients respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 in both groups. The mean ± SD FSS score was 4.4 ± 1.8 in the hospitalized and 5.2 ± 1.6 in the non-hospitalized group, with 62.5% hospitalized and 78.9% non-hospitalized patients classified as fatigued. Ceiling effects were 7.6% in the hospitalized and 16.1% in non-hospitalized patients. FSS scores negatively correlated with EQ-5D scores in both groups (Spearman's rho − 0.6 in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized; p < 0.001) and were higher among patients with a positive PHQ-2 depression screen (5.4 vs. 4.0 in hospitalized and 5.9 vs. 4.9 in non-hospitalized; p < 0.001). An SISQ asking whether there was "fatigue present" had a sensitivity of 70.6% in hospitalized and 83.2% in non-hospitalized patients; the "always feeling tired" SISQ, had a sensitivity of 70.5% and 89.6% respectively. Conclusions: Fatigue was common and severe in patients referred for post COVID-19 assessment. Overall, the FSS is suitable for measuring fatigue in these patients, as there was excellent data quality, strong internal consistency, and construct validity. However, ceiling effects may be a limitation in the non-hospitalized group. SISQs had good sensitivity for identifying clinically relevant fatigue in non-hospitalized patients but only moderate sensitivity in the hospitalized group, indicating that there were more false negatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to analyse the relevant factors that may affect post-stroke fatigue (PSF) in patients with stroke and further explore the correlation between family functioning and PSF., Methods: Patients who had experienced a first episode of stroke and were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were rigorously screened. The general data and family functioning of the patients on admission were collected, and their family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve scores and their PSF on the 5th day of admission were collected using the fatigue severity scale (FSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was then utilized to explore the factors affecting PSF in patients with stroke., Results: A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, and 220 were returned, with 212 valid questionnaires and a valid return rate of 96.4%. These 212 patients had a family functioning score of 6.58 ± 2.00 and an FSS score of 36.62 ± 10.96. Spearman's correlation analysis showed negative correlations between the FSS scores and the adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, resolve and family functioning scores ( r = -0.380, -0.505, -0.470, -0.303, -0.281 and -0.712, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that family functioning (β' = -0.516), marital status (β' = -0.244), household income (β' = -0.185), literacy (β' = -0.181) and activities of daily living (β' = -0.084) were influential factors for PSF in patients with stroke ( p < 0.05)., Conclusion: There is a significant negative correlation between family functioning and PSF, suggesting that better family functioning may help mitigate the severity of post-stroke fatigue. Healthcare providers should identify interventions to help patients and families address fatigue, boost disease recovery, promote patients' physical and mental health and improve their quality of life., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zhu, Huang, Yu, Bao, Lin and Shu.)

This study aimed: (1) to evaluate the hand motor fatigability in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and compare it with measurements obtained form an able-bodied population; (2) to compare the hand motor fatigability in people with tetraplegia and in people with paraplegia; and (3) to analyse if motor fatigability is different in people with SCI with and without clinical significant perceived fatigability. Materials and Methods: 96 participants with SCI (40 cervical and 56 thoracolumbar) and 63 able-bodied controls performed a simple hand isometric task to assess motor fatigability. The Fatigue Severity Scale was used for perceived fatigability evaluation. Results: The main results of this study can be summarized as follows: (1) the waning in muscle force (motor fatigability) during a fatiguing task is similar in controls and participants with SCI; (2) the motor fatigability is influenced by the maximal muscle force (measured at the beginning of the task); and (3) the perceived fatigability and the motor fatigability are largely independent in the individuals with SCI. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the capability to maintain a prolonged effort is preserved in SCI, and this capacity depends on the residual maximal muscle force in people with SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fatigue is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fatigue severity scale (FSS) is used to measure fatigue. This study was aimed to develop a culturally adapted Bangla version of the English FSS and to validate it. Methods: English version of FSS was translated into Bangla and adapted in the local sociocultural context, following the recommendations of Beaton et al. One hundred and twenty SLE patients were assessed in the Rheumatology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Content validity of the adapted Bangla version was evaluated by item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index (S-CVI). Correlation between FSS and health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) and 12 item short form health survey (SF-12) was measured for the assessment of convergent validity. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were also assessed. Results: Our procedure had no problem with the content and language. I-CVI and S-CVI for each item was one. FSS showed strong positive correlation (>0.7) with HAQ-DI and strong negative correlation (>−0.7) with SF-12. The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93). Conclusions: The adapted Bangla version of FSS is a reliable and valid instrument and can be recommended for the self-assessment of fatigue in SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving our understanding of post-stroke fatigue is crucial to develop more effective interventions. This effort may be hampered by the methods used to assess fatigue, which usually rely on retrospective memory reports. However, such reports are prone to memory bias and may not capture variability in fatigue in daily life; thereby failing to adequately represent symptom experience. This study aimed to assess the strength of the relationship between real-time experience of post-stroke fatigue and the commonly used retrospective Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Thirty individuals with stroke completed 10 daily questionnaires about momentary (here-and-now) fatigue for six consecutive days using the mHealth application PsyMateTM (Experience Sampling Method). From these real-time fatigue ratings (N = 1012), we calculated three indices: total average, peak fatigue, and fatigue on the final day. Afterwards, participants rated their fatigue retrospectively with the FSS. Results showed weak to moderate and strong correlations (range:.334,.667), with retrospective reports capturing up to 44% of the variance in the indices of momentary fatigue. Exploratory analyses also revealed that even individuals with similar total FSS scores demonstrated highly different day-to-day fatigue patterns. We conclude that retrospective measures may provide an incomplete view of post-stroke fatigue and diurnal variation therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Little attention has been paid to customising fatigue questionnaires for patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The present study aims to validate and shorten the nine-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-9) and Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS) for use with this population. Methods We used data from a nested cohort with annual health assessments with responses on the FSS-9 and VAFS. During the period 2016–2020, 917 health assessments were collected from 655 patients with SUD in Bergen and Stavanger, Norway. A total of 225 patients answered the health assessment at least twice. We defined baseline as the first annual health assessment when the health assessments were sorted chronologically per patient. We checked for internal consistency, and we used longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis to validate and shorten the FSS-9 and VAFS. Results The internal consistency of the FSS-9 was excellent with a Cronbach’s α of 0.94 at baseline and 0.93 at the second annual health assessment. When shortening the FSS-9 to a three-item FSS (FSS-3, items 5–7), the Cronbach’s α was 0.87 at baseline and 0.84 at the second health assessment. The internal consistency was not affected when the VAFS was added to the FSS-3 and the FSS-9. The longitudinal CFA model showed a well-fitting model for the FSS-3 (χ2 = 13.33, degree of freedom = 8, P = 0.101). The LMM analysis showed equal linear changes at the individual level for the FSS-3 (slope: 0.00, P > 0.05) and FSS-9 (slope: 0.01, P > 0.05) between the health assessments. Conclusion The FSS-9 could be shortened to the FSS-3 with high validity and reliability for patients with SUDs and the addition of VAFS did not provide much added variability.

Background: Because of the absence of biological parameters for fatigue, appropriate instruments for assessing the degree of fatigue are important in the diagnosis and management of people complaining of fatigue-like symptoms. This study statistically analyzed the fatigue scores from two typical questionnaire-based instruments: the Korean version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-K) and the modified Chalder Fatigue Scale (mKCFQ).Methods: Seventy participants (males n  = 40, females n  = 30, median age 48 years old, range of 25-67) were grouped into three groups ('mild'  = 20, 'moderate'  = 42, and 'severe'  = 8) according to self-reported fatigue levels using a 7-point Likert scale. The similarities and differences between two instrument-derived scores were analyzed using correlations (r) and multidimensional scaling (MDS).Results: The total scores of the two assessments were significantly correlated (r  = 75%, p  < 0.001), as were the subscores ('Total Physical fatigue': r  = 76%, p  < 0.001, 'Total Mental fatigue': r  = 56%, p  < 0.001). Relative overestimation of the MFI-K (45.8 ± 11.3) compared to the mKCFQ (36.1 ± 16.2) was observed, which was especially prominent in the 'mild' group. The scores of the three groups were more easily distinguished by the mKCFQ than by the MFI-K. In terms of the five dimension scores, we found a higher correlation of the two assessments for 'general fatigue' (r  = 79%, p  < 0.001) and 'physical fatigue' (r  = 66%, p  < 0.001) than for the reductions in 'motivation' (r  = 41%, p  < 0.01) and 'activity' (r  = 26%, p  > 0.05).Conclusions: Our results may indicate the usefulness of the two instruments, especially for the physical symptoms of fatigue ('general' and 'physical' fatigue). Furthermore, the MFI-K may be useful for conditions of moderate-to-severe fatigue, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, but the mKCFQ may be useful for all spectra of fatigue, including in subhealthy people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The impact of clinical and sociodemographic factors on fatigue remains unknown among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). This study aims to evaluate fatigue among patients with SUD using a nine-item fatigue severity scale (FSS-9) and identify the impact that clinical and sociodemographic factors – such as injecting substance use, chronic infectious diseases, liver fibrosis, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), debt difficulties, and housing situation – have on fatigue. Methods We used data from a cohort of patients with SUD in Norway with annual health assessments surveying FSS-9 and some clinical and sociodemographic factors. A total of 915 FSS-9 measurements were collected from 654 patients during the period 2016–2020. We defined baseline as the first annual health assessment when the health assessments were listed chronologically. Time was defined as years from baseline. We used a linear mixed model to analyse whether the clinical and sociodemographic factors affected the FSS-9 sum score, presented with beta coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The mean sum score of the FSS-9 was 43 (standard deviation: 16) at baseline. Females compared with males (adjusted mean difference of FSS-9 sum score: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3–7.0), having debt difficulties compared with having no debt difficulties (2.9;0.4–5.3), and frequent use of benzodiazepines (5.7;3.0–8.4) or amphetamines (-5.0;-8.0– -2.0) compared to less frequent or no use of these substances changed the FSS-9 baseline sum score. The other clinical and sociodemographic factors did not predict any clinically relevant change in the FSS-9 sum score from baseline to the following health assessments. Conclusion Patients with SUD suffer from high levels of fatigue. Female patients, patients with debt difficulties, and those with extensive use of benzodiazepines are at particular risk of being fatigued. This should be taken into consideration when planning health services.

Abstract Background Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is characterized by bone fragility, and features such as blue sclerae, dentinogenesis imperfecta, hearing loss, ligamentous laxity and short stature can be present. It has long been assumed that the functional ability and quality of life of patients with OI depends primarily on the severity of skeletal deformities. However, fatigue is often mentioned in clinic by patients with all types of OI as an important modifier of their quality of life and does not always seem to be related to their functional ability. The aim of this study is to investigate whether adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta are significantly more fatigued than the normal population. Methods The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was distributed by mobile phone application among 151 adult patients with different OI types. Results of the FSS in the OI group were compared with two control populations from America (n = 20) and the Netherlands (n = 113). Results Ninety-nine patients (OI type 1 (n = 72), OI type 3 (n = 13), OI type 4 (n = 14) completed the FSS questionnaire. The mean FSS score of this cohort was 4.4 and significantly higher than the control populations (2.3/2.9). 65% of our cohort reported at least moderate fatigue compared with 2 control populations from America and the Netherlands. Conclusion Fatigue in patients with OI is a frequently encountered problem in our expert clinic but research into this topic is sparse. This pilot study is the largest study to date investigating fatigue in patients with OI and results have been compared with two control groups. The mean FSS score of 4.4 in the OI group indicates that people with OI are generally significantly more fatigued than the control population. Further evaluation of fatigue and its influencers in a larger group of OI patients is important for future management.

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common complication of stroke that has a negative impact on prognosis and recovery. We aimed to investigate the relationship between PSF and demographics, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and other clinical characteristics of patients with stroke. In this exploratory cross-sectional study, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, biological indicators, and imaging features and evaluated patients using neuropsychological scales. Patients were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were primarily used to evaluate infarctions and white matter lesions. The correlation between the PSF of patients with stroke and clinical indicators was obtained by logistic regression analysis and power analysis. We observed an independent association between fatigue severity and female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–3.94), depressive state (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01–1.73), and sleep disorders (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01–1.98). High levels of blood glucose, serum uric acid, and homocysteine and low levels of serum triiodothyronine were strongly associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with stroke. Further studies are needed to elucidate how specific structural lesions and anxiety symptoms are related to early PSF.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the methodological quality and measurement attribute quality of the post-stroke fatigue measurement scale, so as to provide some basis for the clinical application and promotion of related scales., Methods: The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, the Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, the Chinese Biology Medicine, PubMed, Embase, Medline, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for literature on the post-stroke fatigue measurement scale up to June 2022. Literature screening and data extraction were carried out independently by two researchers, and in the case of disagreement, discussions were held with a third investigator to reach an agreement, and the COSMIN checklist and criteria were used to systematically evaluate the attributes of the measurement scale., Results: A total of 17 studies were included, involving 10 post-stroke fatigue measurement scales. The content validity of FSS-7, FACIT-F, NRS-FRS, and MFI-20 was "not mentioned," and the remaining scales were "uncertain." In terms of construct validity, MFS was "adequate"; FSS-7, FACIT-F, and NRS-FRS were "not mentioned"; and the remaining scales were "uncertain." In terms of internal consistency, NRS-FRS was "not mentioned"; FSS and MFS were "adequate"; and the remaining scales were "uncertain." In terms of hypothesis testing, CIS and FACIT-F were "not mentioned," NRS-FRS was "adequate," and the remaining scales were "uncertain." The stability of FSS-7, CIS, FACIT-F, and MFI-20 was "not mentioned," and the remaining scales were "adequate." The cross-cultural validity of FSS-7 was "adequate," and the remaining scales were "not mentioned." All 10 scales were given a recommendation grade of "B"., Conclusion: For the time being, the FSS can be recommended to measure post-stroke fatigue, but it still needs to be tested for more relevant measurement properties in order to gain more support from high-quality evidence. For a more comprehensive assessment of post-stroke fatigue, the FIS, FAS, and NFI-stroke should perhaps be considered, as the FSS is a one-dimensional scale that can only measure physical fatigue in patients; however, these scales also need to be tested for more relevant measurement properties to verify their clinical applicability., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wu and Jin.)

Introduction: Obesity is associated with fatigue in many diseases, but the correlation between obesity and poststroke fatigue (PSF) is unclear. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the occurrence of and recovery from PSF. Methods: Within 3 days of the onset of ischemic stroke, patients were consecutively recruited. We assessed PSF at admission and at 6, 12, and 24 months with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline function were used to explore the relationships between baseline BMI and the risk of PSF at different time points. The correlation between baseline BMI and the dynamic changes in the natural logarithm transformation of the FSS (lnFSS) score during the follow-up period was analyzed by the piecewise linear mixed-effects model. Results: A total of 1026 stroke patients were included. Multivariable analyses indicated that obesity was associated with a decreased risk of early PSF (fatigue diagnosed at baseline) [odds ratio (OR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–0.93] but an increased risk of late PSF (fatigue diagnosed 6 months after the index stroke) (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.06–2.50 for 6 months; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.18–2.96 for 12 months; OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.28–3.49 for 24 months). Longitudinal analyses indicated that in the late stage of fatigue, the higher the BMI category, the slower the rate of decrease was for the FSS score. Conclusion: Obese patients are less likely to develop fatigue in the acute stage of ischemic stroke. However, they are more prone to late fatigue and exhibit a slower decline in the FSS score in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of current study was to investigate the efficacy of pulsed Magnetic field on Fatigue in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: Thirty persons with Multiple Sclerosis from both sexes represented the sample of this study. They were recruited from the outpatient clinics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and Multiple Sclerosis specialized clinic in the Neurology department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. The person's age ranged from twenty to forty years. They were assigned randomly into two equal groups; the study group (GA) and the control group (GB).The assessment of fatigue is conducted before and after treatment for both groups by Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis symptoms was conducted before and after treatment for both groups by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Study group (GA) treated by pulsed magnetic field (Low intensity and low frequency) applied on cranium in addition to a selected physical therapy program for fatigue for persons with Multiple sclerosis . Control group (GB) treated by the same program of treatment for Fatigue only as the (GA) without pulsed magnetic field. The duration of treatment was six weeks, three times weekly and day after day. Results: Comparison of the mean value of each variable pre and post treatment in each group revealed a significant improvement in all different parameters in both groups; however comparison between post results of both groups revealed that the study group (GA) showed a significant improvement compared to the control group (GB) in all different variables (p <0.05 for all). Conclusion: Application of pulsed magnetic field with low intensity and low frequency had a positive effect in decreasing MS fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and related factors of fatigue symptoms in patients with asthma. Methods A total of 198 asthmatic patients who visited the respiratory department of our hospital were included in this study. According to the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the patients were divided into the fatigue group (≥4, n= 126) and the non-fatigue group (＜4, n=72). The clinical characteristics, pulmonary function, exhaled nitric oxide test (FENO), the dyspnea score (MRC), asthma control scale (ACT), daily life ability (MBI)，6 min walk test (6MWT)，Hamilton depression scale-17 items (HAMD-17), Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale (PSQI) and the number of acute episodes in the past year were analyzed between the two groups. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used for analyzing the influencing factors of fatigue symptoms in asthmatic patients. According to the selected indicators, the prediction model of the nomogram was constructed, and the prediction value of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve. Results The ACT score was lower in fatigue group than that of non-fatigue group, and the mMRC grading, HAMD-17 score, PSQI score and the frequency of acute attack in the previous 1 year were higher in fatigue group than those of non-fatigue group (P＜0.05). There were no significant differences in the other indexes between the two groups (P＞0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that ACT score (OR=0.644, 95%CI: 0.508-0.816), mMRC grading (OR=2.313, 95%CI: 1.349-3.966), HAMD-17 score (OR=1.561, 95%CI: 1.273-1.913) and PSQI score (OR=1.932, 95%CI: 1.506-2.479) were the influencing factors of fatigue in asthmatic patients. The prediction model was built based on the four influencing factors. The area under the ROC curve of the prediction model was 0.935 (95%CI: 0.902-0.967). Through internal verification, the C-index was 0.929, and the calibration curve showed that the predicted results of the nomogram were in good agreement with the actual observation results. Conclusion The incidence of fatigue is high in patients with asthma. Poor asthma control, high mMRC grading, negative mood and sleep disturbance are important influencing factors of fatigue. The nomogram constructed according to the influencing factors has high predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent symptoms of stroke is fatigue. Fatigue severity scale is the most often used tool for evaluating fatigue in stroke patients, its minimal clinically important difference threshold has not been determined. This study aimed to identify the minimal clinically important difference of fatigue severity scale in stroke patients. All study participants were examined using fatigue severity scale and multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form before and after the intervention. The 6-week intervention combined graded activity training and pacing therapy employed to reduce fatigue severity. Participants reported changes in their fatigue severity after the intervention with the global rating of change and visual analog scale. The minimal clinically important difference of the fatigue severity scale calculated using both anchor- and distribution-based methods. A total of 117 stroke patients were included in the study. Using multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form, global rating of change, and visual analog scale as an anchor, the minimal clinically important difference of fatigue severity scale was obtained at 3.5, 4.5, and 4.5, respectively. The minimal clinically important difference for fatigue severity scale varied from 4.28 to 12.90 using the distribution-based method, with SEM = 4.28 displaying the best sensitivity and specificity for use as minimal clinically important difference. The minimal clinically important difference value for the fatigue severity scale was estimated at 3.5_12.90 using anchor-based and distribution-based methods. The study's results can be utilized to understand the effectiveness of fatigue interventions in stroke patients in clinical and research settings [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe Evaluate Patient OutComes (EPOC) study assessed physician- and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with relapsing multiple sclerosis who switched directly from injectable disease-modifying therapy (iDMT; glatiramer acetate, intramuscular or subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, or interferon beta-1b) to once-daily, oral fingolimod. Post hoc analyses evaluated the impact of a switch to fingolimod versus staying on each of the four individual iDMTs.MethodsOverall, 1053 patients were randomized 3:1 to switch to fingolimod or remain on iDMT. The primary endpoint was the change in Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) Global Satisfaction score. Secondary endpoints included changes in scores for TSQM Effectiveness, Side Effects and Convenience subscales, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Patient-Reported Outcome Indices for Multiple Sclerosis (PRIMUS) Activities, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) and mean investigator-reported Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I). All outcomes were evaluated after 6 months of treatment.ResultsChanges in TSQM Global Satisfaction scores were superior after a switch to fingolimod when compared with scores in patients remaining on any of the iDMTs (all p

BackgroundThe Evaluate Patient OutComes (EPOC) study assessed physician- and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with relapsing multiple sclerosis who switched directly from injectable disease-modifying therapy (iDMT; glatiramer acetate, intramuscular or subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, or interferon beta-1b) to once-daily, oral fingolimod. Post hoc analyses evaluated the impact of a switch to fingolimod versus staying on each of the four individual iDMTs.MethodsOverall, 1053 patients were randomized 3:1 to switch to fingolimod or remain on iDMT. The primary endpoint was the change in Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) Global Satisfaction score. Secondary endpoints included changes in scores for TSQM Effectiveness, Side Effects and Convenience subscales, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Patient-Reported Outcome Indices for Multiple Sclerosis (PRIMUS) Activities, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) and mean investigator-reported Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I). All outcomes were evaluated after 6 months of treatment.ResultsChanges in TSQM Global Satisfaction scores were superior after a switch to fingolimod when compared with scores in patients remaining on any of the iDMTs (all p

Background: Little attention has been paid to customising fatigue questionnaires for patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The present study aims to validate and shorten the nine-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-9) and Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS) for use with this population.Methods: We used data from a nested cohort with annual health assessments with responses on the FSS-9 and VAFS. During the period 2016-2020, 917 health assessments were collected from 655 patients with SUD in Bergen and Stavanger, Norway. A total of 225 patients answered the health assessment at least twice. We defined baseline as the first annual health assessment when the health assessments were sorted chronologically per patient. We checked for internal consistency, and we used longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis to validate and shorten the FSS-9 and VAFS.Results: The internal consistency of the FSS-9 was excellent with a Cronbach's α of 0.94 at baseline and 0.93 at the second annual health assessment. When shortening the FSS-9 to a three-item FSS (FSS-3, items 5-7), the Cronbach's α was 0.87 at baseline and 0.84 at the second health assessment. The internal consistency was not affected when the VAFS was added to the FSS-3 and the FSS-9. The longitudinal CFA model showed a well-fitting model for the FSS-3 (χ2 = 13.33, degree of freedom = 8, P = 0.101). The LMM analysis showed equal linear changes at the individual level for the FSS-3 (slope: 0.00, P > 0.05) and FSS-9 (slope: 0.01, P > 0.05) between the health assessments.Conclusion: The FSS-9 could be shortened to the FSS-3 with high validity and reliability for patients with SUDs and the addition of VAFS did not provide much added variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The available literature lacks data about the influence of whole body cryotherapy (WBC) on muscle activity in patients with sclerosis multiplex (MS). OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the influence of the 20 WBC series on the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal and the relationship between it and the functional state in patients with MS. METHODS: The study group was 114 of MS patients (aged 45.24±11.88yr.,) which 74 of them received 20 of WBC. An assessment was made of: the hand grip (HGS), Timed 25-Foot Walk, Fatigue Severity Scale, sEMG signal from the dominant limb. RESULTS: After a series of 20 WBC: in the rest electromyograms, an increase of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and a decrease of flexor carpi radialis (FCR) amplitude were demonstrated (non-normalized signal ECR p = 0.0001); significant differences in sEMG rest signals between ECR and FCR have decreased; for voluntary contraction in both assessed antagonistic muscle amplitude was significantly decreased (p = 0.0005; p = 0.0316, p = 0.0185); an increase of HGS (p < 0.001); gait improvement (p = 0.001); decrease fatigue (p = 0.024). No significant changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Series of 20 WBC improves the functional state and reduces fatigue in patients with MS, which may be due to adaptive changes in bioelectrical muscle activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devic's disease, also known as neuromyelitis optica (NMO), is an uncommon autoimmune condition that affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. It is characterized by recurrent optic neuritis and myelitis, which can cause paralysis and visual impairment. Because NMO mimics multiple sclerosis, diagnosing it is difficult and necessitates particular testing, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and aquaporin-4 antibody detection. Patients with NMOs are susceptible to severe, erratic episodes that can result in rapid impairment. As such, timely and efficient therapy with immunosuppressive medicines and continued supportive care are crucial. Improving mobility, strength, coordination, and quality of life while treating the functional deficiencies associated with NMOs requires the use of physiotherapy. This case study emphasizes how crucial it is to manage a young NMO patient using a multidisciplinary strategy in order to maximise results. This case report discusses a 16-year-old male presenting with a sudden onset of balance impairment, slurred speech, difficulty walking and breathing, and weakness in limbs, with the right side more affected. Over three months, he experienced increasing eyesight issues, fatigue, tremors during activities of daily living, difficulty swallowing, and night cramps. Diagnostic investigations including MRI, angiography, visual evoked potentials (VEP) study, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirmed demyelinating changes consistent with NMO, also known as Devic's disease. The patient received management with steroidal medications, immunosuppressants, and plasma therapy, along with physiotherapy rehabilitation. The physiotherapy protocol aimed to address muscle weakness, coordination impairment, balance issues, fine motor deficits, fatigue, sensory impairment, and dependence on activities of daily living. Motor, sensory, and cranial nerve assessments were conducted, revealing impairments consistent with NMO. Outcome measures pre- and post-intervention showed improvements in functional independence, balance, and fatigue severity. The medical management included a combination of medications and investigations to manage NMO symptoms and monitor disease progression. The physiotherapeutic approach employed a multidisciplinary strategy focusing on education, exercise, and functional tasks to improve the patient's quality of life and independence., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Dave et al.)

Background: The impact of clinical and sociodemographic factors on fatigue remains unknown among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). This study aims to evaluate fatigue among patients with SUD using a nine-item fatigue severity scale (FSS-9) and identify the impact that clinical and sociodemographic factors - such as injecting substance use, chronic infectious diseases, liver fibrosis, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), debt difficulties, and housing situation - have on fatigue.Methods: We used data from a cohort of patients with SUD in Norway with annual health assessments surveying FSS-9 and some clinical and sociodemographic factors. A total of 915 FSS-9 measurements were collected from 654 patients during the period 2016-2020. We defined baseline as the first annual health assessment when the health assessments were listed chronologically. Time was defined as years from baseline. We used a linear mixed model to analyse whether the clinical and sociodemographic factors affected the FSS-9 sum score, presented with beta coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: The mean sum score of the FSS-9 was 43 (standard deviation: 16) at baseline. Females compared with males (adjusted mean difference of FSS-9 sum score: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.0), having debt difficulties compared with having no debt difficulties (2.9;0.4-5.3), and frequent use of benzodiazepines (5.7;3.0-8.4) or amphetamines (-5.0;-8.0- -2.0) compared to less frequent or no use of these substances changed the FSS-9 baseline sum score. The other clinical and sociodemographic factors did not predict any clinically relevant change in the FSS-9 sum score from baseline to the following health assessments.Conclusion: Patients with SUD suffer from high levels of fatigue. Female patients, patients with debt difficulties, and those with extensive use of benzodiazepines are at particular risk of being fatigued. This should be taken into consideration when planning health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is a common and often debilitating stroke sequela, and it is important to accurately define and detect post-stroke fatigue. Often questionnaires are used but a case definition has been developed and proposed as a better tool. The aim of the study was to determine validity and inter-rater agreement of the case definition of post-stroke fatigue, and to determine optimal cutoff scores for marked fatigue on the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 and the Fatigue Severity Scale-7 questionnaires. Stroke patients were interviewed with the structured interview schedule for the case definition and asked to complete the two questionnaires. To examine the inter-rater agreement of the case definition a second interviewer did another interview blinded to the result of the first interview. Seventy patients were enrolled, 44% women. The median age was 74 years (interquartile range: 67–80) and the median time from stroke to interview was 8 days. The median Fatigue Severity Scale-7 score and the median Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (General Fatigue subscale) score were higher in the case definition positive than in the negative group (p <.001). The kappa value for the inter-rater agreement was 0.63. A cutoff score of 4.9 for the Fatigue Severity Scale-7 and a cutoff score of 12 on the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 were optimal to identify marked fatigue according to the case definition. The case definition was valid and had a substantial inter-rater agreement. A score ≥ 5 using the Fatigue Severity Scale-7 or a score ≥ 12 using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (General Fatigue subscale) may be used to detect potentially debilitating post-stroke fatigue in stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Academic Research in Nursing (JAREN) is the property of Hemsirelikte Egitim ve Arastirma Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)