Managing fatigue in multiple sclerosis, five years after self-management program

A new study explores how people with multiple sclerosis (MS) manage fatigue five years after participating in a self-management program called Fatigue: Take Control (FTC). This research builds on earlier findings that showed the program’s effectiveness in improving fatigue.

The study was led by ShienPei C. Silverman, MA, from the VA Portland Health Care System, plus a research team including Bishan Yang, Ph.D, a recent graduate from our PhD in Rehabilitation Science program, and Acting Assistant Felicia Mata-Greve, PhD 

The study used surveys to gather data from a subset of participants in the original FTC clinical trial. Results showed that the most common fatigue management strategies were planning daily activities and prioritizing tasks. Key factors that helped participants use these strategies included access to supportive devices, professional help, companions, and maintaining a positive attitude.

However, participants faced barriers such as high costs, other health issues, and sensitivity to temperature. Internal factors, like personal motivation, were found to play a significant role in successfully managing fatigue.

The study, published in the International Journal of MS Care, calls for further research to test these strategies (particularly the low-cost ones) on a larger scale and to evaluate the usefulness of behavior change models in managing MS-related fatigue.