An Evaluation of a Fatigue Management Intervention for People with Acquired Brain Injury: An Exploratory Study

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms reported after an acquired brain injury, reflecting a probable combination of factors: pathology, medication side effects, mood or sleep disorders, reduced exercise tolerance, decreased nutrition and hydration. Despite its prevalence and the profoundly negative effects that fatigue has on quality of life, there is little evidence regarding the effectiveness of fatigue management interventions.

This exploratory study investigated whether a weekly fatigue education group, lasting for 8 weeks, had an effect on reported fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleepiness and quality of life. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measures were taken using three standardised scales, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Short Form–36 quality of life measure, together with the unpublished Brain Injury Fatigue Scale. A 10-point rating scale was also used to assess fatigue on a weekly basis. In addition, the participants completed written qualitative self-reports concerning the impact of fatigue on daily life, their perceptions of fatigue and their fatigue management strategies.

Seven people joined the programme. There was a significant change in the quality of life measure from pre-intervention to post-intervention, but not in the other measures. In written qualitative accounts, the participants reported managing their fatigue better and finding group support helpful. The results suggest a need for further research into the fatigue management for people with acquired brain injury.