Abstract
Background
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by persistent fatigue, which often leads to physical and psychological damage. However, there is currently no clear explanation for this syndrome. Most treatments are based on symptoms, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered to be one of the most effective treatments. Little is known about the Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method (PLWNT) Qigong, a combination of complex two-way traffic path connecting the cognitive center and the enteric nerves. In this study protocol, we explored the effectiveness of PLWNT on gastrointestinal function, physical and mental fatigue, and sleep quality in patients with CFS.
Methods/design
A randomized controlled trial consisting of 90 patients will be divided into treatment A and B groups. The treatment group will be treated with either CBT or PLWNT. Both treatment groups will include a supervised intervention at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine once a week, and the remaining six days will be completed at home over 12 consecutive weeks. Both treatments will take three months. Qualified participants in accordance with the inclusion criteria and signed informed consent will be recruited. The primary outcome variable is to explore the regulation mechanism of the brain-gut axis in patients with chronic fatigue and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Secondary outcomes are the Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which will be completed before and after the intervention.
Discussion
This will be the first randomized controlled clinical trial to introduce the PLWNT method for the treatment of CFS. If our results demonstrate that CBT or PLWNT nterventions are more effective, this will provide a quality treatment for patients with chronic fatigue and optimize their guidance.
Pacing, Conventional Physical Activity and Active Video Games to Increase Physical Activity for Adults with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
