Clinical Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a Curriculum Thread to Meet Accreditation Standards in Physical Therapy Education

Authors

Sallie W. Rediske, Independent ScholarFollow
Heidi Shearin, Independent ScholarFollow
Todd E. Davenport, University of the PacificFollow
Melinda W. Maxwell, Independent ScholarFollow

Abstract

Purpose: ME/CFS is a debilitating, complex, chronic illness that is estimated to affect up to nine million Americans. It requires a paradigm shift in treatment approach to one of energy conservation due to metabolic effects resulting in exercise and activity intolerance. Including clinical management of ME/CFS as a curriculum thread in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is vital for safe and effective care of people with ME/CFS and can help meet accreditation standards. Methods: ME/CFS significantly impacts quality of life. It has been recognized by the World Health Organization since 1969 as a biomedical neurological disorder. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic it was reported to be post-infectious in as many as 80% of the cases associated with a multitude of infectious agents. It is now estimated that of the 35% who develop long COVID following COVID-19, 50% of these individuals go on to fit the case criteria for ME/CFS diagnosis after having long COVID for six months or more, dramatically increasing the numbers of people meeting the ME/CFS diagnostic criteria. ME/CFS is a uniquely stigmatizing “invisible disability.” Its symptomology is complex, and its underlying pathophysiology worsens with activity. Educating and training physical therapists who can meet the needs of people with ME/CFS poses a unique challenge to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs organized on siloed systems models due to its multisystem presentation. Results: Opportunities to integrate ME/CFS learning into didactic, clinical, and interprofessional education are strategically important not only to improve the quality of care for people with ME/CFS but also to meet various standards, such as those from the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Conclusion: In this paper, the authors provide novel strategies on how to thread a complex chronic disease like ME/CFS through DPT curricula for meeting accreditation standards and patient care needs.

Author Bio(s)

Sallie W. Rediske, MPT, Independent Scholar, Homer, AK, original concept, primary writing, supervision,, literature search, critical review

Melinda West Maxwell, PT, MA, Independent Scholar, Asheville, NC, concept, writing, supervision, literature search, critical review

Heidi Lussier Shearin, PT, DPT, Independent Scholar, Sanford, NC, concept, literature search, critical review

Todd E. Davenport, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, Workwell Foundation, Santa Rosa, CA, concept, writing, literature review, critical review

Recommended Citation

Rediske SW, Shearin H, Davenport TE, Maxwell MW. Clinical Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a Curriculum Thread to Meet Accreditation Standards in Physical Therapy Education. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Oct 15;23(4), Article 34.