CFS Nova
with CFSupport

The Northern Virginia (NOVA)
CFS/ME, FMS, OI & Gratitude
Support Groups

Finally, a special section has selected current clinical trials in our home region of Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Suburban Maryland, as well as other selected national and international clinical trials. We especially like to include those that can be done by mail or web questionnaire since more accessible (no travel, expense). Inclusion of a clinical trial in our listings is for informational purposes only and should not be read as a recommendation that you should participate in that trial or that we agree with a study's premise. In considering whether a particular clinical trial is right for you, please talk with the contact person for that trial, consult with your health care provider, and be sure to read the materials listed under the "Factors to Consider" section of this page.

Factors to Consider In Deciding Whether to Participate in a Clinical Trial

• (An Introduction to) Understanding Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov
• Taking Part in Research Studies: What Questions Should You Ask? CDC
• Overview of Clinical Trials CenterWatch, Inc.
• Why Volunteer? Clinical Trials of Medical Treatments FDA
• Understanding Clinical Trials From the Patient's Perspective 
  Consumer Health Sourcebook
• Is a Trial For You? January W. Payne, Washington Post, Apr 19, 2005

Links to US National Listings of Clinical Trials

• Alternative Medicine Clinical Trials NCCAM, National Institutes of Health
• CenterWatch Clinical Trials Listing Service CenterWatch, Inc.
• CFIDS Research: Clinical Trials CFIDS Assoc. of America
• ClinicalTrials.gov U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Clinical Trials - Fibromyalgia NFA
• Clinical Trials for IBS & IBD Amber J. Tresca, About.com
• Current Clinical Studies Devin J. Starlanyl
• Current Controlled Trials Current Controlled Trials, Ltd
• Dysautonomia Clinical Research Database NDRF
• Fibromyalgia Research National Fibromyalgia Partnership
• International Association for CFS - Clinical Studies IACFSME.org
  
• National Institutes of Health Clinical Research Studies NIH
• Ongoing CFS Research Project DePaul University
  
  Top
  

Selected Current Clinical Trials

1. Washington, DC Metro Region aka The US Capital, Northern VA, & some Maryland
2. USA beyond the Capital Area - National - Includes Questionnaire Studies
3. International - Includes Questionnaire or Survey Studies

Selected Capital Area CFS/ ME & FMS & OI Studies 

• CFS and Overlapping Conditions - CFS Research Review, Spring 2004
• Research Provides More Evidence That Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is A Legitimate Medical Condition - Science Daily
• Non-Allergic Rhinitis - Fibromyalgia Frontiers

Volunteers with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome needed for research study

Researchers at the NIH Clinical Center seek individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) to participate in a research study. ME/CFS is a disease for which an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment have remained elusive. Researchers want to better understand this condition.

You may be eligible, if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 60
• Are currently experiencing fatigue after recovering from an infection
• Have been experiencing persistent fatigue for the last 6 months to 5 years
• Have medical documentation of an infection before developing ME/CFS
• Experience post-exertional malaise (PEM)
• Have completed the 7 grade or higher
• Are able to stay at the NIH Clinical Center as an inpatient for study visits

You may NOT be eligible, if you are:

• Pregnant, breast feeding, or trying to become pregnant during the 6 month period of the study
• Unable to undergo an MRI scan

Participating includes:

A pre-screening phone interview A 5-10 day inpatient visit with up to 8 hours of testing each day

Testing includes:

• Brain imaging studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Blood, urine, saliva, and spinal fluid collection
• Tilt table test
• Completing an activity diary at home
• Some participants will be eligible for a second 5-10 day inpatient stay with up to 8 hours of testing a day and overnight measurements that includes:
  • Performing vigorous exercise for periods of 10-15 minutes
  • Sleeping in a room that measures how the body uses energy
  • Brain imaging studies, brain transcranial magnetic stimulation, and collection of spinal fluid

  No cost for study-related tests and procedures. You may receive compensation for your participation

  The NIH Clinical Center, America's Research Hospital, is located in Bethesda, Maryland on the Metro red line (Medical Center stop).

  For more information, call:
  Office of Patient Recruitment
  1-866-444-1132
  TTY: 1-866-411-1010
  Online: http://go.usa.gov/x9yYV
  NIH study 16-N-0058

  
  

  Selected National CFS/ME, FMS, POTS/OI, & similar Trials

  Section Contents, click for details.
  
  1) Pregnancy in Fibromyalgia Questionnaire Study
      Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Long distance participants welcome.
  
  2) CFS/ME in Children -  Questionnaire
       DePaul University, IL. Long distance participants welcome.
  
  3) Psychosocial Treatment Trial for Multi-Symptom Illness, FM, CFS, IBS, TMJ, MCS
       Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, central NJ.
  
  4) Insomnia Medication Trial or FM Patients
       Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, central NJ.
  
  5) Study of Ampligen in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Recruiting Once Again
      Incline Village, NV; Salt Lake City, UT; Charlotte, NC.
  
  6) A Study of Genetic Risk Factors That May Be Associated
        with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
         University of Illinois at Chicago and Tufts University    Added May 23, '08
          Long distance participants welcome.
  
  7) Chronic Fatigue Study Questionnaire Study
         University of Utah                                                           Added Oct 2, '08
         Long distance participants welcome.
  
  8) Vulvodynia - Cost of Illness Survey 
         National Vulvodynia Association                                    Added Oct 2, '08
         Long distance participants welcome.
  
  9)  Fibromyalgia with Sleep Disturbances - medication trial
         Raleigh, NC                                                                    Added Aug 20, '09
  
  
  10)  Fibromyalgia, Juvenile - Clinical Trial Testing the Safety and Efficacy of Fluoxetine 
         Cincinnati, OH                                                                  Added Aug 20, '09
         Long distance participants welcome.
  
  11)  Coping Skills Training for Adolescents With Fibromyalgia
         Kentucky and OH                                                                  Added Aug 20, '09
         Long distance participants welcome.
  
  12) Autonomic Nervous System and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS&ANS) (POTS)
         Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN                                     Added Aug 20, '09
  
  13) Cranial Electrical Stimulation Effects on Symptoms in Persons With Fibromyalgia
         University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA                              Added Nov '09
  
  14) Study To Assess The Clinical Benefit Of Droxidopa In Subjects With CFS
         Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
         Hunter-Hopkins Center, Charlotte, NC                              Added Aug '10
  
  15) The Expressive Writing Paradigm: A Study of Therapeutic Effectiveness for Chronic Pain
         University of Maryland, MD                                               Added Nov '12
  
  16) Daily Activity Patterns and Heart Rate Variability in ME/CFS (2017)
         NIH funded home study                                               Added Oct '17
  
  
  1) The College of Health Professions at Temple University in Philadelphia
      Pregnancy in Fibromyalgia Questionnaire Study; Participants accepted ~ mid 2007
  
  Women in the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy between the ages of 21 and 45 may be eligible for a research study to compare functional status in pregnant women with Fibromyalgia and pregnant women without Fibromyalgia. Benefits include a better understanding of how Fibromyalgia affects pregnancy. The study involves only the completion of two questionnaires so can be done from home. Participants will receive a gift certificate to Walmart.
  Dr. Karen Moore Schaefer, RN, at (215) 707-4626 or karen.schaefer@temple.edu
  
  
  2) The Center for Community Research at DePaul University:
      ME/CFS in children and adolescents.
  
  
  In order to determine a diagnosis of Pediatric ME/CFS, the child must report fatigue as well as classic ME/CFS symptoms in each of the following categories for a duration of at least 3 months in addition to a frequency and severity rating:
  
  Classic ME/CFS Symptom Category
  
  a. fatigue
  b. Post-exertional malaise
  c. Sleep
  d. Pain - At least one symptom from: Myofascial, Joint, Abdominal, or Head pain
  e. Neurocognition - At least two symptoms
  f. Other Category - At least one symptom from two of the following three categories:
  
      Autonomic manifestations:
      Neuroendocrine manifestations:
      Immune manifestations:
  
  We are looking for children and adolescents ages 5-17 and their parents/guardians to complete the DePaul Pediatric Health Questionnaire (DPHQ).
  
  * The DPHQ is a short questionnaire and will take about 30 minutes to complete
  * Participation and answers will be kept confidential
  * You can either mail the questionnaire back to us or we can pick it up.
     Your time and voluntary assistance are needed and appreciated.
  
  If you and your child are interesting in volunteering, please contact:
  
  Lindsay Till
  Email: ltill@depaul.edu
  Telephone: (773) 325-1897
  
  Research Team's website: http://condor.depaul.edu/~ljason/cfs/
  Principal Investigator: Leonard Jason, PhD
  Enrollment will take place at least until the end of 2006.
  Advertised with permission from DePaul IRB.
  
  A significant problem in ME/CFS Research is the lack of both a pediatric definition of ME/CFS and a reliable instrument to assess it. The DPHQ was developed as a response to these problems.  It is hoped that findings from this study will help to develop an accurate case definition of ME/CFS in young people and that the DPHQ will become an instrumental tool for correctly identifying cases of Pediatric ME/CFS.
  

  
  Top
  
  
  3) Psychosocial Treatment Trial for Multi-Symptom Illness, FM, CFS, IBS, TMJ, MCS
       Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, central NJ.
  
  
  Study subjects must live within traveling distance of the test site.
  Begins October 2006; no enrollment closing date has been set.
  
  
  Dr. Lesley Allen  is recruiting participants who are bothered by multiple, persistent physical symptoms (such as pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal difficulties or menstrual difficulties) OR participants who have Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorders, or Chemical Sensitivities for a free treatment study:
  
  
  To examine a new psychosocial treatment designed to help reduce physical discomfort.
  
  Based on the idea that stress tends to make physical symptoms worse, the program teaches stress management and coping skills as a way to reduce physical discomfort.
  
  Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and must be experiencing multiple, unexplained physical symptoms. Medications must be stable for at least two months, and applicants must not be involved in (or be willing to delay) psychotherapy treatment during the four-month duration of the study.
  
  
  The 14 weekly sessions will be offered at no cost to participants. They will be compensated $20 for each completed assessment.
  
  For more information, contact Jade Tiu, Research Coordinator, tiuje@umdnj.edu
  (732) 235-3378; 671 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
  
  
  
  
  4) Insomnia Medication Trial or FM Patients
       Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, central NJ.
  
  Study subjects must live within traveling distance of the test site.
  Begins October 2006; no enrollment closing date has been set.
  
  
  Dr. Lesley Allen at is recruiting Fibromyalgia patients who are also experiencing sleeping difficulties for a medication study:
  
  
  To examine the effects of a sleep medication as a treatment for insomnia and Fibromyalgia symptoms.
  
  Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 64, have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and be stable on medications for at least one month. Additionally, applicants must not be involved in (or be willing to delay) psychotherapy treatment during the duration of the study.
  
  The study involves 7 visits for approximately 4 months. All study pills and procedures are free of charge and participants will be compensated $20 for each completed visit.
  
  
  For more information, contact Jade Tiu, Research Coordinator, tiuje@umdnj.edu
  (732) 235-3378; 671 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
  
  
  
  5) Study of Ampligen in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Recruiting Once Again
  http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00215813
  Updated October 24, 2006. Still recruiting in 2009
  
  Sharon Conway
  215-988-0080   
  sharon@hemispherx.net
  
  Study chairs or principal investigators
  
  Daniel Peterson, M.D.,  Principal Investigator,  Sierra Internal Medicine, NV
  Lucinda Bateman, M.D.,  Principal Investigator,  Fatigue Consultation Clinic, UT
  Charles W. Lapp, M.D.,  Principal Investigator,  Hunter-Hopkins Center, NC
  
  
  
  6) A Study of Genetic Risk Factors That May Be Associated
        with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
  
  Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Tufts University are interested in YOU
  
  Dr. Brigitte Huber of Tufts University and Dr. Renee Taylor of University of Illinois at Chicago are seeking research participants ages 13-64 for a study of genetic risk factors that may be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. To be eligible, subjects should have documentation of a diagnosis of either chronic fatigue syndrome or mononucleosis from a physician.
  
  If interested, please contact
  Dr. Renee Taylor at 
  (312) 996-3412 (office)
  or mono@uic.edu.
  
  [The JPG flyer for the study also lists the logos of NIH and Children's Memorial Hospital.]
  
  
  
   
  7) Chronic Fatigue Study Questionnaire Study
         University of Utah                                                      
         Long distance participants welcome.
  
  Do you have chronic fatigue and are you searching for ways to manage it better?  Have you just begun treatment with a new physician?  If yes, then medical researchers at the University of Utah invite you to participate in a research project. They want to study patients with chronic fatigue as well as the various methods that are currently being used to treat it. It requires you to complete 2 questionnaires, one before you start your treatment and another in about 6 months. It takes about 35 minutes of your time.  Through this project, the researchers hope to find better ways of treating chronic fatigue.  If you are interested in participating in this study and need more information please contact
  Kate Hak, Research Coordinator, Health Services Research, University of Utah, at
  (801) 587-4741 or email kate.hak@hci.utah.edu.
  
  There will be no costs to you for participating in the study.
  
  We will send you $25 if you complete two questionnaires, one given to you at the time you enroll and a second given to you three months later. We will send another $25 to you for completing a questionnaire six months after you enroll. If you need to get results of your laboratory tests from physicians other than the physician who told you about this study, we will give you an additional $15 for giving us the results of all of these tests.
  
  See also
  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00983502
  
  
  Added 10-2-08.
  Email address and contact name updated 12-09.
  
  
   
  
  8) Vulvodynia - Cost of Illness Survey 
  
  The NVA is seeking women with vulvodynia who live in the United States to participate in a cost of illness survey, which asks questions about lost work hours and out-of-pocket expenses related to having vulvodynia. From a cost of illness survey, analysts can calculate to what extent a particular health condition impacts our economy. It is important for NVA to have this information to convince members of Congress and NIH staff of the great need to increase funding of vulvodynia research.
   
  Participation requires only 3 hours of your time over the next 6 months. With the use of a NVA-supplied calendar, you will keep track of your vulvodynia-related expenses, such as prescription medications, doctor visits and over-the-counter remedies. Participants will anonymously log onto NVA's web site once every four weeks (for six months) to record expenses. Each time you log on, the survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
   
  For additional information, or to participate, please visit http://www.nva.org/costsurvey
  (Study Announced 9/24/08)
  
  
  
  9)  Fibromyalgia with Sleep Disturbances - medication trial
         Raleigh, NC                                                                    Added Aug 20, '09
        
  http://centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/studydetails.aspx?StudyID=157049
  Balance is a condition inherent to nature, but balance is hard to achieve in everyday life.
  Occasional lack of sleep can affect your overall well being. But if you frequently wake up in the morning, after a night of fitful or disturbed sleep, with widespread muscle pain that lasts through the day, you could have a condition called Fibromyalgia.
  Qualified participants will receive study medication and all study-related tests are no cost and may be compensated for time and travel.
  
  You may qualify for this study if:
  
  You are between the ages of 18 to 64
  
  Maintain a normal daytime/awake, nighttime/asleep schedule including 6 ½ to 8 hours in bed at night
  Have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, or regularly experience the symptoms associates with the condition, including muscle pain, stiffness, headache and fatigue
  
  Have experienced difficulty sleeping for least three days out of the week
  
  Patient Exclusion Criteria: over age 64
  
  Wake Research Associates
  3100 Duraleigh Road, Suite 304
  Raleigh, NC 27612
  Phone: 919-781-2514
  EMail: cmoore@wakeresearch.com
  
  
  
  
  10)  Fibromyalgia, Juvenile - Clinical Trial Testing the Safety and Efficacy of Fluoxetine 
         Cincinnati, OH                                                                  Added Aug 20, '09
         Long distance participants welcome.
  
  http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00115804
  
  Contact: Megan Clayton    513-475-8113    claytoma@ucmail.uc.edu
  
  
  Detailed Description:
  
  Fibromyalgia is a common condition that is often challenging to treat. It is defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) as widespread pain of at least 3 months duration in combination with tenderness at 11 or more of 18 specific tender point sites on the body. The prevalence of JPFS in children and adolescents in the general population of the United States is unknown. Studies from Israel, Mexico, and Italy have estimated that the prevalence rate of JPFS in school children ranges from 1.24% to 6.20%, with girls making up the majority of cases. Information from a national registry in the United States indicates that JPFS accounts for about 7.7% of new patient diagnoses in a pediatric rheumatology setting. The mean age of onset of pediatric JPFS is 12 years.
  
  As in adults, JPFS has been diagnosed in children and adolescents using the ACR criteria. JPFS often leads to substantial morbidity and disability. For example, adolescents with JPFS reported significantly greater functional disability and greater number of school absences than those with other rheumatic diseases such as juvenile RA or lupus. The presence of high levels of pain and disability at this critical developmental stage place adolescents with JPFS at greater risk for long term social and occupational difficulties. Early diagnosis and effective intervention are therefore of critical importance.
  
  Inclusion Criteria:
  
  Female or male outpatients 13 to 18 years of age.
  Fulfillment of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for primary fibromyalgia.
  Ability to understand and cooperate with study procedures.
  Provision of parental written informed consent and verbal and written assent from the adolescent for participation in the study.
  
  
  11)  Coping Skills Training for Adolescents With Fibromyalgia
         Kentucky and OH                                                                  Added Aug 20, '09
         Long distance participants welcome.
  Juvenile fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can cause considerable suffering and difficulty in an adolescent's day-to-day activities. The purpose of this study is to determine whether coping skills training, when combined with usual medical care, can reduce pain and disability in adolescents with fibromyalgia.
  
  Study hypotheses: 1) Adolescents who receive coping skills training combined with their usual medical care will show significantly greater reductions in functional disability, pain, and depressive symptoms at the end of the acute treatment phase than adolescents who receive fibromyalgia education with their usual medical care. 2) Adolescents who receive coping skills training with their usual medical care will show significantly lower levels of functional disability, pain, and depressive symptoms at the end of a six-month maintenance phase than adolescents who receive fibromyalgia education with their usual medical care.
  
  http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00086047
  
  Inclusion Criteria:
  Diagnosis of JPFS based upon widespread pain for over 3 months, at least 5 tender points, and associated features such as sleep difficulty, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort
  Average pain intensity greater than 4 on the Visual Analog Scale
  Functional disability score greater than 7
  Stable medications for 8 weeks prior to study entry
  
  Contact: Susmita Kashikar-Zuck, PhD    513-636-6337    Susmita.Kashikar-Zuck@cchmc.org
  
  Kentucky and OH
  
  
  
  12) Autonomic Nervous System and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS&ANS) (POTS)
         Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN                                     Added Aug 20, '09
  
  The investigators propose to test the hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the cardiovascular and inflammatory abnormalities present in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and, in particular in the subset of patients characterized by postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). CFS and POTS are seen mostly in otherwise normal young women, and are the cause of significant disability. A substantial proportion of patients referred for evaluation of POTS met diagnostic criteria for CFS and, conversely, a subset of patients referred for treatment for CFS have POTS. The investigators hypothesize that sympathetic activation underlies the pathophysiology of patients in whom CFS and POTS overlap (CFS-P).
  
  Other: Autonomic Function Tests
  Other: Saline infusions
  Drug: L-NMMA trimethaphan
  Drug: methyldopa
  
  Opened Dec 2007, still recruiting 11/12
  clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00580619
  
  Ages Eligible for Study:      18 Years to 65 Years
  Genders Eligible for Study:      Both
  Accepts Healthy Volunteers:      Yes
  Criteria
  Inclusion Criteria:
  Meet CDC diagnostic criteria of CFS (Fukuda et al., 1994)
  Meet diagnostic criteria of POTS (Raj et al., 2005)
  Age between 18-65 years
  Male and female are eligible (although majority of patients with CFS-P are female)
  
  Contact: Ginnie Farley, RA         adcresearch@vanderbilt.edu
  
  
  
  13) Cranial Electrical Stimulation Effects on Symptoms in Persons With Fibromyalgia
         University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA                              Added Nov '09
  
  
  Detailed Description:
  
  Central pain networks in the brain are dysregulated in persons with fibromyalgia (FM). Thus, the investigators propose that cranial electrical stimulation (CES) that works on the brain may ameliorate symptoms of FM by interacting with the central pain networks. The specific aims of this randomized, controlled, three-group pilot study design are to: (1) determine differences in pain over time between the active CES, sham device, and usual care (UC) groups; (2) explore differences in brain activity in pain processing regions (i.e., cingulate, insula, prefrontal and somatosensory cortices, amygdala, and thalamus) between the active CES, sham device, and UC groups in a subset of 12 participants (6 in each device group); (3) determine the effects of CES on other symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, perceived stress) and functional status, and blood pressure over time between the active CES, sham device, and UC groups; and (4) determine the amount of influence that selected psychological factors (negative affect, catastrophizing, and other personality characteristics) have on group differences in pain, other symptoms, functional status, and brain activity.
  
  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00928720
  
  Inclusion Criteria:
  
  meet the diagnostic criteria for FM established by the American College of Rheumatology
  have initial pain level equal to or greater than 3 on a NRS 0-10
  have stable medication use related to FM for at least 4 weeks
  be able to read, write, and understand the English language
  
  
  Exclusion Criteria (all participants):
  
  pregnant or breastfeeding
  epilepsy or history of seizures
  presence of pacemakers and/or other implanted devices
  
  
  Exclusion Criteria (subset of 12 participants who wil have fMRIs)
  
  conditions that would not permit an fMRI (e.g., certain types of metal or metallic objects in body, diaphragm or intrauterine device, dermal patches, ear or eye implants, implanted electrical stimulators, artificial heart valve, implanted catheter or tube, tattoos, claustrophobia; or weight more than 275 lbs)
  
  
  Contact: Principal Investigator:
                  Ann G Taylor, EdD, RN            434-924-0113    cscat@virginia.edu
  Contact: Cheryl Bourguignon, PhD, RN    434-924-0082    cb2n@virginia.edu
  
  Additional information from one of our members who is participating:
  
  The device being tested is an “Alpha Stim 100” which you can find out about on the internet. the contacts that they have listed there are not the person who you need to talk to – took me some time to get to the right person.  She is very nice!  Her name is Shannon Riedel, slr3q@virginia.edu. Her # is 434-982-0724.  Leave a message, and she will call back. She is at the UVA School of Nursing in the Center for the Study of Complementary & Alternative Therapies.
  
  
  
  
  14) Study To Assess The Clinical Benefit Of Droxidopa In Subjects With CFS
         Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  
  This study is currently recruiting participants.
  Verified by Chelsea Therapeutics, July 2010
  ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00977171
  Phase II
  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00977171?term=droxidopa&rank=6
  
  
  
  Purpose
  
  A subset of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome exhibit symptoms of neurally mediated hypotension. While the underlying pathophysiology of chronic fatigue syndrome is not precisely understood, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is thought to play a role in this subset of patients. In several small studies, subjects within this subset have noted improvement in their chronic fatigue symptoms when treated for their neurally mediated hypotension. As droxidopa acts on the autonomic nervous system and has been shown to ameliorate symptoms of neurally mediated hypotension, it is hypothesized that droxidopa could aid in the treatment of chronic fatigue symptoms.
  
  Neurally mediated hypotension has been associated with patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Droxidopa meanwhile has been approved in Japan for the treatment of the symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. As such, it is hypothesized that regulating the autonomic nervous system in patients with Chronic fatigue syndrome may prove to be clinically beneficial.
  
  Eligibility
  
  
  Ages Eligible for Study:      18 Years to 65 Years
  Genders Eligible for Study:      Both
  Accepts Healthy Volunteers:      No
  
  
  Criteria
  
  SUBJECT SELECTION CRITERIA:
  
  Female and male outpatients between 18-65 years of age;
  Subjects must be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (Per Fukuda Criteria);
  Subjects must have neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) or neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) (confirmed via Tilt table test);
  Voluntarily read and sign an informed consent.
  
  
  MAIN SUBJECT EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
  
  Taking a direct acting vasoconstricting agent (i.e. ephedrine or midodrine)
  - Patients taking vasoconstrictor agents such as ephedrine, or midodrine must stop taking these drugs at least 2 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to their baseline visit (Visit 2);
  Taking anti-hypertensive medication for the treatment of high blood pressure
  Women of childbearing potential who are not using a medically accepted contraception;
  Subject Restrictions: see website
  
  
  Contact: Charles W Lapp, M.D.    (704) 543-9692    cwlapp@drlapp.net
                 Hunter-Hopkins Center, Charlotte, NC
  
  
  
  
  15) The Expressive Writing Paradigm:
  A Study of Therapeutic Effectiveness for Chronic Pain
  
  This study is currently recruiting participants.
  
  ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01639196
  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01639196?%20term=NCT01639196&rank=1
  
  
  The Expressive Writing Paradigm: A Study of Therapeutic Effectiveness for Chronic Pain
  
  Purpose
  
  The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of writing about chronic pain on mental and physical health. The effectiveness of two different types of brief online writing interventions will be explored in individuals with chronic pain, self-compassion writing and self-efficacy writing.
  
  The study is completely online and involves completing 2 surveys and 3 writing exercises. Participants complete either a 20-minute survey or a 20-minute writing exercise once a week for five consecutive weeks. The purpose of the study is to better understand the experiences of individuals who suffer from chronic pain. Some people find writing as a way to record what happens to them or as a way to talk about difficult experiences. This is your chance to help others in pain and help teach researchers how to better treat chronic pain. All of your information will be kept confidential and your participation is completely voluntary.
  
  Participants need to be at least 18 years old, experiencing pain on most days of the month for at least 6 months, and experiencing pain that isn't directly caused by a terminal condition (e.g., stage 4 cancer). If you are interested in participating in the study, please email chronicpainstudy@umd.edu.
  
  16) Daily Activity Patterns and Heart Rate Variability in ME/CFS
  
  This study is recruiting participants. Oct 2017->)
  
  Funding: NIH
  Flyer
  

  Approved: October 6, 2017
  Expiration Date: March 22, 2018
  Stony Brook University IRB (CORIHS B)

  New NIH-funded Study: Daily Activity Patterns and Heart Rate Variability in ME/CFS

  Volunteers with ME/CFS for research study needed

  Highlights

  Find out if activity patterns (such as "push-crash") and life events are related to heart rate variability (changes in your heart rate)

  Find out if heart rate variability can be used to predict your relapses and setbacks

  Discover if improving or worsening illness is related to your activity levels, life events, and heart rate variability

  Study specifics

  • Home-based; no face to face visits
  • Participation in study activities over 6 months
  • Study volunteers paid up to $300 for full participation

    Study tasks for volunteer participants include:

    • Periodically wearing a small heart monitor
    • Wearing a daytime activity monitor
    • Completing a weekly online web diary
    • Completing questionnaires

    Contact: (US Only)
    Dr. Patricia Bruckenthal
    Tel: 631- 444-1172
    Email: patricia.bruckenthal@stonybrook.edu
    Principal investigator: Fred Friedberg, PhD

    
    
    
    Top

    ---

    Selected International ME/CFS and FMS Trials - Includes Web Questionnaire Surveys

    May 2013 - Fibromyalgia Study by University of Tennessee
    Dec 2011 - Chronic Fatigue Study to Learn Self-Help Skills
    March 2010 - Clinical Trial Participant Survey - Do people join studies for health care?
    March 2010 - How perceived doctor empathy is defined & its impact on those with CFS/ME?
    2009-2010 - Cancer After Other Conditions
    Oct 2009 - FM Wellness Project
    Aug 2009 - Questionnaire - Florida Institute of Technology - Chronic fatigue
    Sep 2008 - Questionnaire -  FM Assoc. UK - Fibromyalgia Patients with Cognitive Problems
    
    
    
    May 2013 - Fibromyalgia Study by University of Tennessee
    
    
    Likely open until Fall 2013 Jameson K. Hirsch, PhD, a Clinical Psychologist at East Tennessee State University is conducting an online survey on the effects of Fibromyalgia on daily life and feelings:
    
    Little is known about the emotional status of individuals with Fibromyalgia; thus, your participation will help to raise awareness about Fibromyalgia and will help healthcare professionals to better understand how Fibromyalgia affects mental health.
    
    Your participation entails filling out a short survey. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary and confidential. It will take about 30-45 minutes to complete the survey. I would greatly appreciate it if all individuals with Fibromyalgia would support the research by completing the survey on this link:
    
    surveymonkey.com/s/help_us_learn_about_fibromyalgia
    
    Thank you for your time and support. I greatly appreciate your assistance.
    
    Please let me know if you have any questions.
    Sincerely,
    Jameson K. Hirsch, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Department of Psychology
    East Tennessee State University
    P.O. Box 70649
    Johnson City, TN 37614
    Phone: (423) 439-4463
    Email: hirsch@etsu.edu
    
    
    
    
    
    Dec 2011 - Chronic Fatigue Study to Learn Self-Help Skills
    
    
    If you have chronic fatigue, you're invited to participate in a study funded by the National Institutes of Health to learn fatigue self-help skills.
    
    Internet and Windows XP or later version of Windows required.
    
    Participants will be paid up to $498.
    
    No in-person visits required.
    For further information call Elaine Beun, RN, at (855) 672-1900 or write
    elainebeun@yahoo.com
    
    IRB Approved: 10/14/2011
    Expiration Date: 10/13/2012
    CORIHS, Stony Brook University
    
    
    
    March 2010 - March 2011 - CLINICAL TRIAL PARTICIPANT SURVEY
    
    The purpose of this study is to determine if some people join clinical trials to receive access to healthcare.  This work will help researchers better understand the links between access to healthcare and clinical trail participation.
    
    This study is being conducted by a researcher Carrie M. Lee MBA, a doctoral student at Walden University, carrie.lee@waldenu.edu. Dr. Leilani Endicott is the Walden University representative who can discuss further questions, 1-800-925-3368, extension 1210.
    
    Walden University’s approval number for this study is 03-18-10-0363696 and it expires on March 17, 2011.
    
    If you have participated in a clinical trial in the past year, or are currently participating in a clinical trial you are invited to participate in a web survey at
    
    http://www.makesurvey.net/cgi-bin/survey.dll/F688F42CE1DB4763B28F4B88FC5F6C34
    
    No Identifying information is collected in this survey, and results are only used for this research project.
    
    
    
    
    
    March 2010
    How perceived doctor empathy is defined & its impact on those with CFS/ME?
    
    How understanding is your Doctor?
    
    Do you suffer from CFS / ME and want your views heard?
    
    I am an MSc student at the University of St Andrews currently
    researching the experiences of those with CFS/ME, with particular emphasis
    on the role of patient-provider communication. This brief online
    questionnaire aims to look at whether there is any direct impact from the
    experiences you may receive from within your primary health care contact
    on you, as someone with CFS/ME.
    
    It is hoped that this study will illustrate the impact of understanding
    CFS/ME within the healthcare profession in order to tailor training for
    future physicians.
    
    If you are still interested, please click on the link below:
    http://www.surveymonkey.com/cfsonlinesurvey
    Thank you!
    Ceara Hayden
    cearahayden@googlemail.com
    
    If you have more questions directly relating to the study, feel free to contact:
    
    Prof Gerry Humphris,
    The Bute Medical School,
    University of St Andrews,
    Bute Building,
    St Andrews
    KY16 9TS
    Scotland
    gmh4@st-andrews.ac.uk
    
    
    
    
    
    2009-2010 - Cancer After Other Conditions
    
    THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN SCHOOL OF NURSING
    
    Are you a cancer survivor who had limitations in activities of daily living prior to your cancer?
    
    I invite you to participate in a study to help us understand how cancer survivors who had a functional limitation or disability prior to being diagnosed with cancer take care of their health. You can earn up to $ 25 by completing a questionnaire packet.  If you are over the age of 21, and interested in participating in this study, please complete the information requested on this page, fold it so the envelope on the back is showing, and mail it back to me. You can also fax it to 512-475-8755 or call 1-800-687-8010 (free), 512-232-3492. You must have completed active treatment to participate.
    
    Heather Becker, Ph.D. -- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing
    heatherbecker@mail.utexas.edu
    
    Send
    
    What is your cancer diagnosis? ______________________________
    Have you completed active treatment?          ____ yes         ____ no
    Are you limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems?         ____ yes         ____ no
    
    Did this functional limitation exist PRIOR to your cancer diagnosis?    ____ yes       ____ no
    
    Name______________________________ Email____________________
    Address____________________________________________________
    City/State/Zip_______________________________________________
    Phone ________________________         Date of Birth ____/____/_______
    
    See also,
    http://www.utexas.edu/nursing/html/research/news/09/cancer.html
    
    
    
    
    Oct 2009 - FM Wellness Project
    
    http://www.fmwellness.org/index.htm
    
    The Fibromyalgia Wellness Project is a research study sponsored by NIAMS of NIH. This project is conducted by Collinge and Associates, an independent research group directed by William Collinge, PhD. 
    
    Description
    
    One way the person with FM may be able to have significant impact is through the careful management of lifestyle and behavior factors that affect symptom levels. However, since each person is unique, management of FM needs to be highly individualized.
    
    Because there are so many options and influences to consider, one challenge is discovering what strategies work best. The purpose of the FM Wellness Project is to evaluate a completely individualized approach to symptom reduction. The goal is to empower users with uniquely personal insights into what strategies work best for them over time.
    
    Participation involves visiting this website several times each week, about 5-10 minutes each time, to complete the SMARTLog. “SMART” is an acronym meaning Self-Monitoring and Review Tool. Like a diary, the SMARTLog records your activities, treatments, strategies, stresses, other inputs you want to evaluate, and your symptom levels for the past 24 hours.
    
    By completing the SMARTLog several times each week you build a personal database over time. This project is pioneering a new statistical analysis approach that will evaluate your personal data each week to discover patterns of connection between your inputs and your symptom levels. When these patterns are found they are reported to you in your unique SMART Profile. The purpose of SMART Profile is to give you accurate, personalized feedback based on your own data, and no one else’s, about what inputs lead to reduced symptom levels for you.
    
    Benefits
    
    You may discover new ways to reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
    You will be contributing to knowledge that may help others living with fibromyalgia.
    
    Eligibillity
    
    Adults (over 18) with fibromyalgia.
    You must be able to read English and complete the assessment forms on this website.
    You must have daily access to the internet at home to use SMARTLog.
    
    The Consent Form which gives full details about participation.
    
    
    
    
    
    Aug 2009 - Questionnaire - Florida Institute of Technology - Chronic fatigue
    
    The National Chronic Fatigue Survey, an internet-based survey of fatigue related to chronic illness, has been launched by the Fatigue Management Institute of Florida Institute of Technology.  The survey is designed to gather information on the nature and impact of fatigue associated with chronic medical disorders.  The survey findings will be used to better describe the experience and severity of fatigue related to chronic medical conditions and will contribute to the development of improved techniques for managing fatigue.
     
    
    The Survey is open to adults with a chronic medical condition, can be completed anonymously, and can be accessed at:
    
    http://research.fit.edu/fmi
     
    
    
    -- Summaries of findings will be posted on FIT web site following close of the survey.
    
    -- The data collected is for research purposes only.
    -- Participants' personal information will remain completely confidential.
    
    -- Please aid us in developing a better understanding of fatigue in chronic medical conditions and in the eventual improvement of treatments and techniques for managing fatigue.
    
    About the Fatigue Management Institute:
     
    The Fatigue Management Institute serves as a focal point for integrating emerging research findings with techniques for day-to-day management of fatigue.  The Institute conducts research on fatigue and fatigue management interventions, provides fatigue management training, and disseminates summaries of research findings related to fatigue and its management in chronic medical conditions.  The institute is part of the School of Psychology at Florida Institute of Technology and has no commercial interests.  For further information contact Dr. Thom Harrell - tharrell@fit.edu
    ________________________________________________________________
    School of Psychology
    Florida Institute of Technology
    150 West University Boulevard
    Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
    (321) 674-8104
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Top

    Home        Email Us        Subscribe        Search        Sitemap        Top

    Updated October 27, 2017