The Role of Fatigue in Functional Outcomes for Youth with Chronic Pain

According to this study, fatigue plays an intervening factor for functional outcomes among youth with chronic pain. Researchers queried 285 youth with chronic pain ages 8-17 and their caregivers as part of an initial evaluation. Study measures included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) domains (mobility, pain interference, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and depressive symptoms), quality of life, school functioning, and pain intensity. Results suggested that fatigue is a statistically significant mediator of the effects of pain intensity, sleep disturbance, and depressive symptoms on pain interference, mobility, and school functioning. For youth for chronic pain, the researchers believe targeting fatigue may effectuate optimal school functioning.

Read more: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1431