Clinical Research Directory

Chronic Fatigue in the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic: a Mixed-methods Quantitative and Qualitative Study

With this study, the investigators aim to answer the following research questions: 1. In what percentage of cases does the diagnostic process conducted during a fatigue consultation at the internal medicine outpatient clinic contribute to a somatic diagnosis? 2. What are the experiences of patients presenting with fatigue at the internal medicine outpatient clinic when a consultation, including diagnostic testing, does not lead to a diagnosis? To address question (1), the investigators will conduct a retrospective data analysis using information from HiX, an electronic health record (EHR) system. To answer question (2), the investigators will conduct a prospective qualitative study through interviews.

Inflammatory and Neuroimmune Guided Investigation of Underlying Fatigue in Patients With Cirrhosis

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom of cirrhosis, the advanced stage of chronic liver disease. Around two-thirds of people with cirrhosis experience fatigue, which can affect their ability to carry out everyday activities and substantially reduce their quality of life. Despite this, the biological causes of fatigue in cirrhosis are poorly understood and there are currently no effective treatments specifically targeting this symptom. Cirrhosis is associated with long-term changes in the immune system, including increased inflammation in the blood. Inflammation in the body can also affect the brain and may alter processes important for normal brain function. We therefore propose that increased inflammation in people with cirrhosis may contribute to the development of fatigue by affecting brain cells. This study will recruit 50 people with stable alcohol-related cirrhosis: 25 experiencing clinically significant fatigue and 25 without clinically significant fatigue. Participants will attend a single study visit, during which information about their fatigue, mood, thinking abilities and liver disease will be collected, alongside a blood sample. We will compare blood samples from participants with and without fatigue to identify differences in inflammation and immune function. We will then use the serum (the liquid component of blood) collected from participants to treat human brain cells grown in the laboratory. This will allow us to investigate whether blood from people experiencing fatigue affects the growth, development and survival of brain cells differently from blood from people without fatigue. By combining measurements in patients with laboratory experiments, we aim to identify biological mechanisms that may contribute to fatigue in cirrhosis. In the longer term, this could identify potential targets for new treatments and improve our understanding and management of this currently undertreated symptom.

Cooling During Inpatient Rehabilitation in Persons With MS

The goal of this clinical trial is to shed light on the use of cooling during intensive active training sessions during a three-week multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation stay in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. The objectives of this study are: * to investigate the effects of one week of using a cooling vest during intensive active training sessions compared with one week of not using a cooling vest during inpatient rehabilitation on the state fatigue in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. * to investigate the effects of one week of using a cooling vest during intensive active training sessions compared with one week of not using a cooling vest during inpatient rehabilitation on the walking capacity, functional lower limb muscle strength, balance and cognition in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. * to investigate the effects of the three-week inpatient rehabilitation on the cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and trait fatigue in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. Researchers will compare the effects of one week of using a cooling vest during intensive active training sessions with one week of not using a cooling vest during intensive active training sessions during three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Participants will * Wear a cooling vest during intensive active training sessions for one week * Attend the assessment appointments during study participation * Keep a diary recording their use of a cooling vest during intensive active training sessions

Brain Stimulation Effects on Post-Stroke Fatigue and Aphasia

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if electrical brain stimulation applied to the front parts of the brain can help people who have had a stroke improve their fatigue, language, and attention. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) administered to the pre-frontal areas of the brain improve post-stroke fatigue and aphasia? * What kinds of participant characteristics are associated with better improvement of post-stroke fatigue and aphasia? Researchers will compare active electrical stimulation to sham stimulation to see if the active stimulation does a better job at reducing fatigue and language deficits after stroke. Participants will be asked to complete fatigue, language, and cognitive testing before and after receiving 10 sessions of tDCS plus speech and language therapy.

The Effect of Murottal Quran on Fatigue Severity Scale and Shatri-Sinulingga Psychosomatic Test Scores in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Experiencing Psychosomatic Symptoms and Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of Quranic recitation (murottal) on psychosomatic symptoms and fatigue in adults living with HIV who have psychosomatic symptoms and fatigue. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives Quranic recitation for approximately 15 minutes, three times per week for 30 days, or the control group. Psychosomatic symptoms and fatigue are assessed before and after the intervention using the Shatri-Sinulingga Psychosomatic Test (SSPT) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), respectively.

Mindfulness-Oriented Respiratory Distress Symptom Intervention for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality, posing a critical public health challenge in both Hong Kong and global populations. Patients with lung cancer frequently experience a distressing symptom cluster characterized by breathlessness-driven respiratory distress, accompanied by persistent cough and fatigue, which collectively impose a substantial disease burden. While our research team leader previously developed and validated a multi-component Respiratory Distress Symptom Intervention (RDSI) in England, demonstrating clinical efficacy for lung cancer management, its impact on psychological distress (anxiety and depression) proved limited. This limitation may reflect insufficient integration of psychological components, a crucial consideration given the well-established bidirectional relationship between respiratory symptoms and psychological distress. Emerging evidence indicates that mindfulness interventions provide dual therapeutic benefits by improving patient adherence and effectively addressing both physical symptoms, such as breathlessness and fatigue, as well as psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, current evaluation methodologies have mainly focused on behavioral data collection, such as self-reported questionnaires, to reflect the effect before and after the intervention. Neuroimaging data can help understand the brain mechanisms underlying breathlessness and elucidate the effectiveness of interventions, thereby improving intervention strategies.

AI Platform for Fatigue and Depression Detection

This study evaluates the accuracy of the Okaya AI platform in detecting fatigue and depression in cardiology patients, comparing its assessments to PHQ-9 and Fatigue Assessment Scale scores.

Su Jok for Dyspnea and Fatigue

As the disease progresses, dyspnea and fatigue may increasingly interfere with daily activities, reduce patients' independence, and negatively affect their quality of life. Therefore, in addition to pharmacological treatment, there is a need for safe and supportive interventions to help alleviate these symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Su Jok therapy on dyspnea and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the potential role of Su Jok therapy as a complementary intervention for symptom management. The results may contribute to improving patients' symptom control and quality of life while providing healthcare professionals with evidence to support clinical decision-making and nursing care.

Dietary Supplements and Middle Aged Women (Collagen & Omega)

This study will examine the effects of combining different types of dietary supplements on various aspects of health and wellbeing in middle aged women. The main outcomes of the trial will be aspects of health and wellbeing that middle aged women report as increasingly problematic, such as joint pain, fatigue, sleep, and changes in body composition, strength, and inflammation. Participants will consume the supplement(s) or placebo for 8 weeks, and outcome measures will be assessed before and after supplementation.

Dietary Supplements and Middle Aged Women (Creatine)

This study will examine the effects of combining different types of dietary supplements on various aspects of health and wellbeing in middle aged women. The main outcomes of the trial will be aspects of health and wellbeing that middle aged women report as increasingly problematic, such as joint pain, fatigue, sleep, and changes in body composition, strength, and inflammation. Participants will consume the supplement(s) or placebo for 8 weeks, and outcome measures will be assessed before and after supplementation.

The COMET Study: a Prospective COhort of MEdical residenTs to Assess Professional, Personal and Psychological Trajectories of Residents in General Internal Medicine

Introduction. Switzerland, like most Western countries, faces a paradox: an ageing, multimorbid population needs general internal medicine (GIM) physicians more than ever, yet fewer young doctors choose - and stay in - the specialty. Career decisions during residency are intertwined with well-being, mental and physical health, and work-life balance, and distress in training has been associated with depression, burnout, attrition and poorer patient care. Longitudinal data following GIM residents across these domains, and linking them to actual career trajectories, are lacking. The COMET study establishes a multicentre prospective cohort of GIM residents to fill this gap. Methods and analysis. COMET is a prospective, open, multicentre cohort conducted in the departments of (general) internal medicine of Fribourg Hospital (HFR, four sites), Bern University Hospital (Inselspital) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV). All GIM residents providing direct patient care are eligible (≈334 residents; expected enrolment ≥267, assuming 80% participation). Participants complete an annual online survey (REDCap; French or German) at baseline and for at least four years, covering sociodemographics; job characteristics; career intentions and 24 factors for or against a GIM career; well-being (Physician Well-Being Index, Professional Fulfillment Index, quality of life, work-life balance); mental health (CES-D, Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy); and physical health (step counts, physical activity, fatigue, sleep, healthcare utilisation). Primary endpoints are the longitudinal course of well-being and distress (PWBI, PFI, CES-D) and residents' career trajectory. Analyses combine descriptive statistics, mixed-effects and regression models, and comparisons with the population-based CoLaus\|PsyCoLaus cohort.

NPQ Plus Supplementation for Skin Health and Antioxidant Status

This study evaluated the effects of NPQ Plus supplementation on skin health, antioxidant status, fatigue, and self-perceived well-being in healthy adults with skin concerns. NPQ Plus is a multi-component nutraceutical formulation containing polyphenols (Oligonol®), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN; RevAge®), pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ; PureQQ®), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and a trace mineral complex (Ioniplex), which are known to possess antioxidant and cellular protective properties. This was a single-arm, open-label, prospective interventional study involving 55 participants. Subjects consumed one sachet of NPQ Plus daily for 12 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline and at Weeks 4, 8, and 12. Skin health was evaluated using the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), visual analogue scale (VAS), and objective skin biophysical measurements including skin elasticity, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pigmentation, inflammation, and sebum secretion. Antioxidant status was assessed by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Fatigue symptoms and self-perceived improvements in skin health, sleep quality, and overall well-being were also evaluated.

Association Between Intraoperative Mean Arterial Pressure Variability and Postoperative Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery

This prospective cohort study aims to investigate the relationship between intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) variability and postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS) in elderly patients (≥18 years) undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery. The main research question is: Does the degree of intraoperative MAP fluctuation correlate with postoperative fatigue in elderly patients? Eligible patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anesthesia will have their intraoperative blood pressure variability recorded (generalized average real variability, G-ARV), and postoperative fatigue and recovery will be assessed on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 using the Christensen fatigue scale.

Validation of the French Version of the Fatigue Score "Brief Fatigue Inventory ( BFI)".

Fatigue, or asthenia, is an important symptom for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients in routine as well as research oriented clinical practice. Various questionnaires measuring fatigue have been developed, but few have been validated in french. MFI (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) has been validated in french in only one study. BFI (Brief Fatigue Inventory) has been translated but never validated in french language. The main purpose of this study is to validate psychometrically the french version of BFI.

One-Minute Versus Two-Minute Compressor Rotation During Simulated Pediatric CPR

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare one-minute and two-minute compressor rotation intervals during simulated pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also called CPR. The study will include healthcare professionals who perform chest compressions on a pediatric manikin in a simulated resuscitation setting. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does one-minute compressor rotation improve chest compression quality compared with two-minute compressor rotation? Does one-minute compressor rotation reduce participant fatigue compared with two-minute compressor rotation? Participants will perform chest compressions during two simulated pediatric CPR sessions. In one session, compressors will rotate every one minute. In the other session, compressors will rotate every two minutes. Researchers will compare CPR performance measures and participant-reported fatigue between the two rotation intervals.

Exploring the Effects of Smartphone and Game Addiction on Activity, Sleep, Stress, and Pain in Youth

This study aims to examine the relationship between smartphone and digital game addiction and various health indicators, including physical activity level, sleep quality, stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain among young people. University students often spend prolonged time on digital devices, which may affect their mental and physical well-being. By collecting self-reported data through validated questionnaires, the study will explore how these addictive behaviors are associated with lifestyle and health outcomes. The findings may help guide future interventions to promote healthier technology use among youth.

Study to Investigate the Efficacy of Abrocitinib in Adult Participants With Severe Fatigue From Post COVID Condition/Long COVID

The primary purpose of this phase 2a study is to compare the efficacy of abrocitinib to placebo in improving severe fatigue in non-hospitalized adults with symptomatic Post-COVID Condition (PCC) (also called Long COVID). We are also interested in learning if abrocitinib is effective in improving overall health status in people suffering from severe fatigue from PCC. Eligible participants with a confirmed history of COVID19 infection who also have PCC according to the World Health Organization definition, will be randomized to receive abrocitinib at a dose of 50 mg, 100 mg, or placebo by mouth daily for 12 weeks (84 days).

Characterization, Treatment, and Long-term Follow-up of Fatigued Patients in Primary Care

The overarching purpose of this project is to further the understanding of fatigue as a symptom in primary care patients, and to build evidence for a highly accessible treatment targeting fatigue that can be readily implemented in primary care clinics. Data will be collected within a randomized controlled superiority trial. The primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (tCBT) for fatigued patients as compared to care as usual (CAU). Primary outcome will be change in fatigue severity (as measured by the Checklist Individual Strengths, fatigue subscale) pre- to post-treatment (6 months), with long-term controlled follow-up after 12 months. A register-based follow-up will be conducted up to 60 months post baseline. Moderators and mechanisms of treatment effect will be investigated with the aim to identify potential subgroups of fatigued individuals across and within diagnostic categories that may respond differently to treatment. Lastly, a health economic evaluation of long-term treatment effects will be conducted, which incorporates much needed detailed mapping of care as usual for fatigued patients.

VR-PMR for Post-Burn Symptoms

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), delivered either alone or enhanced with virtual reality (VR), can help treat chronic symptom, such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, in adult burn survivors. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does VR-enhanced PMR (VR-PMR) reduce chronic pain, anxiety, itch, sleep disturbances, and fatigue more effectively than standard PMR? * Is VR-PMR a feasible and acceptable self-administered home-based intervention for burn survivors? Researchers will compare two self-administered intervention conditions, VR-enhanced PMR and standard PMR, using a randomized to sequence crossover design to see if VR technology enhances the therapeutic effects of PMR on chronic symptom management in burn survivors. Participants will: * Complete home-based sessions of VR-enhanced PMR * Complete home-based sessions of standard PMR * Report symptoms such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue throughout the study * Use VR equipment provided for the intervention period (during the VR-PMR arm)

Hemodiafiltration Versus Hemodialysis in Older People

This study will compare the impact of two hemodialysis techniques on fatigue and post-dialysis recovery time in patients aged 85 years and older. These two techniques are high-flux hemodialysis (HD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF). Patients will receive the treatment over two periods: if period 1 is HD then period 2 will be HDF. Every patient will be his/her own control, this is why it is called cross-over. Each period will last three months. Between the two periods, patients will receive a traditional low-flux hemodialysis. These two techniques are widely used worldwide and their side-effects are well-known and do not put the patients at risk. HDF has been shown to improve survival in patients with a mean age of 58 years. But a previous study from the investigators' group showed that HDF causes a prolonged recovery time in older patients. This randomized trial aims to elucidate this question.

THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM NURSES

This study was conducted to compare the effect of surgical mask and N95 mask use on physical symptoms due to surgical smoke in operating theatre nurses. The study, which was conducted in a single-group prospective quasi-experimental design, was completed with 38 nurses in the operating theatre unit of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region. Data were collected for four weeks using the Descriptive Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale and Symptom Follow-up Form. According to the findings, muscle weakness, myalgia in the upper extremities and muscle cramps were statistically significantly less in nurses using N95 masks. Respiratory parameters, watery eyes and redness were significantly lower in nurses using surgical masks. As a result, it was determined that the type of mask was effective on the incidence of physical symptoms related to surgical smoke.

Physical Exercise as Treatment Post-stroke Fatigue - a Feasibilty Study.

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility the treatment FaStEx (FatigueStrokeExercise) which consists of strength exercise in people with brain fatigue after stroke, referred to as post-stroke fatigue. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the feasibility of a study with the treatment FaStEx, structured physical training, for people with post-stroke fatigue? * What factors are important for people with post-stroke fatigue to be able to complete the FaStEx treatment? * How do people with post-stroke fatigue experience participation in the study with the FaStEx treatment? Researchers will compare FaStEx to physical activity at home to see if FaStEx can reduce post-stroke fatigue. Participants will * Carry out strength training twice a week at a health care center. * Carry out physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week on their own. Participants in the control group will carry out this physical activity as well. * The treatment lasts for eight weeks.

Monitoring Fatigue In Daily Life In Adults With Cerebral Palsy or Acquired Brain Injury

The goal of this observational study is to learn about levels and patterns of fatigue in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and acquired brain injury (ABI) in daily life. The main question it aims to answer is: How do adults with CP and ABI experience fatigue in daily life? Researchers will compare data from CP and ABI with healthy volunteers to see if they experience fatigue differently. Participants will: * Monitor their symptoms, mood, and behavior in real-time by completing a brief survey on their mobile phone 10 times a day for seven consecutive days. * Attend a briefing session the day prior to the seven-day period of real-time monitoring. * Wear an accelerometer for the seven-day period. * Complete a daily sleep diary for the seven-day period. * Receive feedback on their real-time monitoring data, sleep and activity data.

Adapting the FACETS Program to Sickle Cell Disease

Adaptation of a fatigue management program combining the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and energy conservation strategies (FACETS program) for a population of adult patients with sickle cell disease (Drépa-FACETS program).