Assessment of the scientific rigour of randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review

J Health Psychol. 2020 Feb;25(2):240-255. doi: 10.1177/1359105319847261. Epub 2019 May 10.

Abstract

Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy have been promoted as effective treatments for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. However, criticism on the scientific rigour of these studies has been raised. This review assessed the methodological quality of studies on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy. The methodological quality of the 18 included studies was found to be relatively low, as bias was prominently found, affecting the main outcome measures of the studies (fatigue, physical functioning and functional impairment/status). Future research should focus on including more objective outcome measures in a well-defined patient population.

Keywords: chronic fatigue syndrome; cognitive behavioural therapy; graded exercise therapy; myalgic encephalomyelitis; systematic review.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / therapy*
  • Female
  • Functional Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome