Article

The aim of this article is to describe how fatigue affects the lives of
people with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), how they experience fatigue,
and how they deal with it in order to attune rehabilitation care to patients'
needs. METHOD: A qualitative study, consisting of 25 semistructured interviews
with patients with FSHD and severe fatigue (as measured with the checklist
individual strength (CIS) fatigue questionnaire), was conducted to gain insight
into the experiences of patients with fatigue. Data were inductively analyzed.
RESULTS: Patients describe fatigue as an overwhelming and unpredictable
experience and they make a distinction between actual experienced fatigue and
fear of becoming tired. Fatigue can, according to patients, be the result of weak
muscles, physical overachieving or underachieving and stress. But most of the
time patients do not know the actual causes of the fatigue, which makes it hard
to deal with. The experienced fatigue has a large impact on participation, social
contacts, and the quality of life of patients, and patients try to use many
strategies to adapt themselves to the constantly changing situations.
CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue is a severe problem in FSHD and has a huge impact on
patients' lives. Patients should be helped to reduce fatigue, for instance by
offering evidence-based therapies such as aerobic exercise training or cognitive
behavioral therapy. Implications for Rehabilitation Fatigue has significant
influence on the quality of lives and participation of people with FSHD. Patients
with FSHD are insufficient supported in coping with their fatigue. More attention
for fatigue in patients with FSHD in rehabilitation is needed, for instance by a
broader implementation of aerobic exercise training or cognitive behavioral
therapy.

Langue : ANGLAIS