The effects of non-pharmacological interventions on fatigue in four chronic illness conditions: a critical review

Abstract

Central fatigue is a prevalent symptom in many neurological and non-neurological conditions. Pharmacological therapy may have limited effects on fatigue; furthermore, pharmacological therapies designed to combat primary disease may also contribute to the experience of fatigue. This review identified and critically reviewed non-pharmacological interventions, frequently or occasionally used in physiotherapy practice, for fatigue in four chronic health conditions: multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cancer and human immunovirus/autoimmune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Despite promising evidence for the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on fatigue in the cancer population, there is less evidence for exercise intervention in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS. There is promising evidence for energy management of fatigue in multiple sclerosis and cancer. There is little evidence for the effects of complementary and alternative interventions on fatigue in all populations and no evidence for the effects of any non-pharmacological intervention on fatigue in Parkinson's disease.

Keywords:

• FATIGUE
• ILLNESS
• INTERVENTION
• NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL