Conceptual definition of fatigue and selected specific time characteristics of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience fatigue as a subjective symptom with inter-individual variability. Fatigue is present at any time during the course of the disease, with varying durations over a period of time. Aim of the research To determine the conceptual definition of fatigue in adult patients with MS and to describe fatigue over a given time period. Material and methods 147 patients with MS (Group A) and 158 controls (Group B) participated in the quantitative prospective cross-sectional study. The questionnaire contained items focused on conceptual definition of fatigue, its duration during the day and its frequency during the week. The c2 test of independence and the Student’s t-test for two independent samples were used for statistical analysis. Results Group A significantly more often than Group B perceived fatigue as muscle weakness, physical tiredness, whole body exhaustion, lack or absence of physical and mental strength, greater effort when performing activities, tired/heavy legs, increased tiredness, memory difficulties, problems with concentration, impatience, despondency, and apathy. Group A reported significantly longer duration of fatigue (4.82 hours) than Group B (2.49 hours) in 24 hours. The incidence of fatigue in 7 days was significantly more frequent in Group A (5.26 days) than in Group B (3.01 days). Conclusions Understanding the conceptual definition and duration of fatigue leads to an effective management of the disease symptoms.
Source: Medical Studies
Author: Michaela Miertová
Institution: Comenius University Bratislava
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $107
OpenAlex ID: W4411845798