Review article
https://doi.org/10.24141/1/11/1/6
Fafatigue Management in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: Occupational Therapy Interventions for Energy Conservation in Daily Life Activities
Matea Bunić
orcid.org/0009-0004-6083-7854
; Jönköping University, Sweden, Occupational therapy MSc
Ivana Klepo
orcid.org/0000-0002-9450-9670
; Special hospital for medical rehabilitation Krapinske Toplice
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in persons
with multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly affecting
their ability to perform daily activities, participation and
quality of life. The exact cause of fatigue is not entirely
understood, but its occurrence is explained through
primary and secondary mechanisms of the disease.
People with MS often describe it as an overwhelming
symptom that does not subside even after taking rest.
The treatment of fatigue includes both pharmacological
and non-pharmacological approaches, with nonpharmacological
methods proving to be more effective.
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in optimising
daily functioning for individuals with MS, particularly in
providing education about fatigue management strategies,
energy conservation techniques, and encouraging
modifications of occupational performance. This
review article aims to present non-pharmacological
approaches to fatigue management, with a particular
focus on the occupational therapy interventions used
in practice, in order to help persons with MS take control
of their daily activities by implementing effective fatigue management strategies. Research shows that the
most commonly used structured program is Packer’s
Managing Fatigue program, demonstrating its effectiveness
in occupational therapy practice. However, other
types of multidisciplinary team interventions have
proven to be effective in treating fatigue, such as exercise,
mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural therapy.
There is a need for better identification of fatigue and
its treatment in daily practice using different treatment
methods, having in mind the individual needs of each
person with MS.
Keywords
multiple sclerosis; fatigue; activities of daily living; fatigue management; energy conservation; occupational therapy
Hrčak ID:
332125
URI
Publication date:
13.6.2025.
Visits: 845 *