Assessing current functioning as a measure of significant reduction in activity level. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thorpe, Taylor; McManimen, Stephanie; Gleason, Kristen; Stoothoff, Jamie; Newton, Julia L.; Strand, Elin Bolle; Jason, Leonard A.
• Is Part Of: Fatigue. Volume 4:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Myalgic encephalomyelitis -- chronic fatigue syndrome -- substantial reduction -- functioning; Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Periodicals; Myalgic encephalomyelitis -- Periodicals; 616.047805
• DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2016.1206176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-1846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome have case definitions with varying criteria, but almost all criteria require an individual to have a substantial reduction in activity level. Unfortunately, a consensus has not been reached regarding what constitutes substantial reductions. One measure that has been used to measure substantial reduction is the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). [1 ] Purpose : The current study examined the relationship between the SF-36, a measure of current functioning, and a self-report measure of the percent reduction in hours spent on activities. Results : Findings indicated that select subscales of the SF-36 accurately measure significant reductions in functioning. Further, this measure significantly differentiates patients from controls. Conclusion : Determining what constitutes a significant reduction in activity is difficult because it is subjective to the individual. However, certain subscales of the SF-36 could provide a uniform way to accurately measure and define substantial reductions in functioning.