FATIGUE AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC-FATIGUE-SYNDROME

Although fatigue is the central symptom of people with chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS), relatively few reports in the literature examine the severity of this fatigue or the activity patterns of people people wit h CFS. Using the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Nottingham Health Profile , the Human Activity Profile, and the Activity Record, severity of fat igue, health status, and activity patterns were investigated. People w ith CFS reported significantly higher levels of fatigue, poorer health status, and engagement in less energy-demanding activities (P<0.001) than people without CFS. Those with CFS spent 16.18% (standard deviati on [SD]=9.62) of their time resting compared with only 2.28% (SD=3.26) of the time spent by those without CFS (P<0.05). Time spent in produc tive activities (household activities and work) was also significantly different, with the CFS group less involved (P<0.05). This severity o f fatigue and limitations in activity patterns warrant further attenti on. Frequent rest periods and energy conservation training may benefit these clients.