The effect of energy conservation strategies on fatigue, function, and quality of life in adults with motor neuron disease: Randomized controlled trial

Hamid Reza  Fateh; Reihaneh  Askary-Kachoosangy; Niloofar  Shirzad; Alireza  Akbarzadeh-Baghban; Farzad  Fatehi

doi:10.18502/cjn.v21i2.10491

Hamid Reza Fateh Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Reihaneh Askary-Kachoosangy Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Niloofar Shirzad Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Alireza Akbarzadeh-Baghban Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Farzad Fatehi Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cjn.v21i2.10491

Keywords: Motor Neuron Disease; Fatigue; Conservation of Energy Resources; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is one of the most frequent complaints in patients with motor neuron diseases (MNDs), with a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL). There is lack of enough evidence for current pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments of fatigue in this population to be applied in clinical setting. Energy conservation strategies are one of the key interventions for fatigue management in chronic diseases. We aimed to investigate the effect of applying these techniques in the fatigue management of patients with MND.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study was carried out on 28 patients with MND. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. In addition to routine treatment, patients in the intervention group participated in
3 weekly 1-hour energy conservation programs provided by an experienced occupational therapist. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score, 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were measured at baseline, immediately after the last intervention session, and one month later.

Results: FSS and COPM significantly changed after the course in the intervention group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Both FSS and COPM improved significantly toward the final assessment only in the intervention group. The SF-36 changes were not significant in each of the groups.

Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, using energy conservation strategies could lead to better mid-term fatigue management and occupational performance improvement, but it did not improve QOL in patients with MND.