Health Coaching for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: War Related Illness and Injury Study Center

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorders, Bipolar, Neurological, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 17

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study examines the impact of a clinical whole health coaching program aimed at improving Veteran's health and well-being by promoting engagement/adherence with clinical recommendations and increasing healthy lifestyle behaviors in treatment-seeking Veterans receiving care at the DC and CA War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Whole Health Coaching Intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome?

The effectiveness of similar treatments, like group-based self-management programs and integrative rehabilitation programs, has been shown to improve quality of life and manage symptoms in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is health coaching for chronic fatigue syndrome safe?

There is no specific safety data available for health coaching or whole health coaching interventions for chronic fatigue syndrome. However, a re-analysis of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome found that 20% of patients reported adverse outcomes, suggesting that some interventions for CFS may have safety concerns. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the Whole Health Coaching Intervention treatment differ from other treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Whole Health Coaching Intervention is unique because it focuses on a holistic approach, emphasizing patient engagement and self-efficacy (belief in one's ability to succeed) through coaching. This treatment helps patients identify personal goals and resources, develop symptom management strategies, and actively participate in their treatment, which is different from other treatments that may focus more on physical activity or medical care alone. ^{3 11 12 13 14}

Research Team

Rebecca McCullers, RN, NBC-HWC

Principal Investigator

War Related Illness and Injury Study Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Veterans with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome seeking care at the DC and CA War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants would need to meet certain health conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

Veterans receiving a clinical evaluation at the War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers in Washington, DC or Palo Alto, California.

Exclusion Criteria

Current active suicidal or homicidal ideation

Current or lifetime history of a psychiatric disorder with primary psychotic features

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Health Coaching Intervention

Participants receive whole health coaching aimed at improving health and well-being by promoting engagement/adherence with clinical recommendations and increasing healthy lifestyle behaviors

6 months

17 sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Whole Health Coaching Intervention

Trial Overview The study is testing a whole health coaching program designed to improve Veterans' adherence to clinical recommendations and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.

Participant Groups

Group I: Health Coaching Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

War Related Illness and Injury Study Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

70+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An exploratory study of discrepancies between objective and subjective measurement of the physical activity level in female patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mediators of the effects on fatigue of pragmatic rehabilitation for chronic fatigue syndrome. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomised controlled trial of patient education to encourage graded exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a group-based self-management program for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. [2017]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term outcomes of an integrative rehabilitation program on quality of life: a follow-up study. [2015]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

NIH conference. Chronic fatigue syndrome research. Definition and medical outcome assessment. [2019]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Obesity in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: an observational study. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guided Self-Help for Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Prior to Starting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: a Cohort Study. [2018]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive behavioural therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is not effective. Re-analysis of a Cochrane review. [2020]

10. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of traditional Chinese mind-body exercises for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome: case study. [2004]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guided self-instructions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial. [2018]

13. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coaching to strengthen critical success factors in integrative care for chronic fatigue patients: the Patient Needs-Resources Model. [2023]

14. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guided graded Exercise Self-help for chronic fatigue syndrome: patient experiences and perceptions. [2021]