Research Article
Issue Date: July/August 2019
Published Online: June 18, 2019
Updated: April 30, 2020
Energy Conservation Management for People With Multiple Sclerosis–Related Fatigue: Who Benefits?
Lyan J. M. Blikman; Jetty van Meeteren; Jos W. R. Twisk; Fred A. J. de Laat; Vincent de Groot; Heleen Beckerman; Henk J. Stam; Johannes B. J. Bussmann; TREFAMS-ACE Study Group
Author Affiliations
  • Lyan J. M. Blikman, PhD, is Job Coordinator, Research Support, Twente University, Enschede, the Netherlands. At the time of this study, she was PhD Student, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
  • Jetty van Meeteren, MD, PhD, is Physiatrist, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Physiatrist, Rijndam Rehabilitation Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; j.vanmeeteren@erasmusmc.nl
  • Jos W. R. Twisk, PhD, is Statistician and Epidemiologist, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
  • Fred A. J. de Laat, MD, PhD, is Physiatrist, Department of Rehabilitation, Libra Rehabilitation Medicine and Audiology, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
  • Vincent de Groot, MD, PhD, is Physiatrist, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
  • Heleen Beckerman, MD, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
  • Henk J. Stam, MD, PhD, FRCP, is Physiatrist, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
  • Johannes B. J. Bussmann, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Article Information
Multiple Sclerosis / Neurologic Conditions / Research Articles
Research Article   |   June 18, 2019
Energy Conservation Management for People With Multiple Sclerosis–Related Fatigue: Who Benefits?
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 06 2019, Vol. 73, 7304205040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.032474
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 06 2019, Vol. 73, 7304205040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.032474
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We investigated whether demographic, disease-related, or personal baseline determinants can predict a positive response to energy conservation management (ECM).

METHOD. We conducted a secondary analysis of a single-blind, two-parallel-arms randomized controlled trial that included ambulatory adults with severe MS-related fatigue. Therapy responders and nonresponders were categorized by Checklist Individual Strength fatigue change scores between baseline and end of treatment. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the determinants of response.

RESULTS. Sixty-nine participants were included (ECM group, n = 34; control group, n = 35). In the ECM group, fatigue severity, perception of fatigue, illness cognitions about MS, and social support discrepancies were related to the probability of being a responder.

CONCLUSION. The results suggest that people with MS-related fatigue who had a less negative perception of fatigue and who perceived fewer disease benefits and a higher discrepancy in social support had the best response to ECM treatment.