Managing fatigue can be supported by incorporating energy conservation and work simplification strategies into daily routines. Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people with various chronic diseases, such as, but not exclusively, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or fibromyalgia. This type fatigue is not linked to activity level or rest patterns. It can have an effect on a person’s ability to complete the various daily tasks to maintain their lifestyle. This article addresses approaches and tips for integrating energy conservation and work simplification into daily activities.
Barsevick, A.M. ( 2002). Energy conservation and cancer-related fatigue. Rehabilitation Oncology, 20(3), 14-18.
2.
Belton, M. ( 2008). Retrieved January 21, 2008, from http://campus.dyc.edu/arthritis/
3.
Clark, P.C., Ashford, S., Burt, R., Aycock, D.M., & Kimble, L.P. ( 2006). Factor analysis of the revised Piper Fatigue Scale in a caregiver sample. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 14(2), 71-79.
4.
Cox, J., Merla, L., & Dietrich, B. ( 2007). Energy conservation course was found to reduce the impact of fatigue, improve aspects of quality of life and increase self-efficacy in those who have multiple sclerosis. Occupational Therapy Now, 9(1), 17-21.
5.
Energy conservation tips. Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Adapted from http://www.phcentral.org/medical/conservation.html and http://www.otworks.ca/otworks_page.asp?pageID=689
6.
Everybody.co.nz. (2005). Arthritis: Energy saving tips. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-1434D76A-8DF5-4909-A153-86039E99DD18.ASPX
7.
Filion, M.-J. ( 2005). Some guidelines on saving energy for people with multiple sclerosis. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://www .mssociety.ca/qc/pdf/services/Conservation%20EN%20Final.pdf
8.
Gielissen, M.F., Knoop, H., Servaes, P., Kalkman, J.S., Huibers, M.J., Verhagen, S., et al. (2007). Differences in the experience of fatigue in patients and healthy controls: Patients’ descriptions. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 5, 36.
9.
Khemthong, S. ( 2005). Fatigue and leisure management. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://www.geocities.com/supalakpop/OTclinicpage1.html
10.
Lorig, K., Holman, H., Sobel, D., Laurent, D., Gonzalez, V., & Minor, M. ( 2006). Living a healthy life with chronic condition. Boulder, CO: Bull.
11.
Mathiowetz, V., Matuska, K.M., & Murphy, M.E. ( 2001). Efficacy of an energy conservation course for person with multiple sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 82, 449-456.
12.
Packer, T.L., Brink, N., & Sauriol, A. ( 1995). Managing fatigue: A six-week course for energy conservation . Tucson, AZ: Therapy Skill Builders .
13.
Providence Care at Queens University. (2008 ). Energy conservation. Retrieved July 21, 2008 , from http://www.sergp.org/CommunEduc/Energy%20Conservation.htm
14.
SUNY Upstate Medical University. (2005). Information for you from your health care team. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from http://www.upstate.edu/uhpated/pdf/energy_work.pdf
15.
Watson, T., & Mock, V. ( 2003). Exercise and cancer-related fatigue: A review of current literature. Rehabilitation Oncology, 21, 23-30.
16.
Work simplification and energy conservation. ( 2005). Aging and technology. http://agingresearch.buffalo.edu/ceu/module_3part_2a.htm
17.
Young, G.R. ( 1991). Energy conservation, occupational therapy, and the treatment of post-polio sequelae. Orthopedics, 14, 1233-1239.
