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Abstract

Introduction: There are currently no disease modifying treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) or fibromyalgia, and multidisciplinary therapy (MDT) is of interest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three-month Internet MDT in the patients' homes on dietary and lifestyle behaviors, disease impact and symptoms. Methods: This was a pilot study conducted between November 2020 and March 2021, and 26 participants were recruited via advertising on UK social media. 18 participants completed the study in non-individualized Internet programme (N=12) and individualized Internet programme and video consultation (N = 6) intervention groups. The Internet programme included modules on nutrition, endocrinology, mental health, lifestyle, relationships and exercise and the individualized group received video consultations with Nutritional Therapists or Peer Counsellors in addition. Outcome measures included the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Hospital Anxiety and Depression -Anxiety Subscale (HADS-A), the short Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a lifestyle questionnaire.Results: After three months there were statistically significant improvements in dietary quality (p-value <0.0005), FIQR (p-value <0.014), symptom subscale (p-value < 0.006) and HADS-A (p-value < 0.041). The individualized group saw greater improvements in dietary quality (p-value > 0.04) and HADS-A (p value> 0.01) than the non-individualized group.Conclusions: This pilot study shows improvements in dietary quality, disease impact, symptoms and anxiety in CFS/ME and fibromyalgia might be found through an Internet based MDT; however possible bias exists and randomized controlled trials with a larger sample are required.