Reduction of perception of chronic fatigue in an observational study of patients receiving 12 weeks of Kampo therapy

Objective: The aim of this study was to observe the influence of Kampo therapy on latent chronic fatigue of patients with chronic diseases. Subjects: One hundred and seventy-three (173) consecutive patients with chronic diseases came to our department for the first time. Design: This was a prospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: a chronic fatigue group (CFG) and a nonchronic fatigue group (NCFG). Based on Kampo diagnosis, both groups were prescribed Kampo formulae as an extract or decoction for 12 weeks. Outcome Measures: By using questionnaires, patients were assessed concerning their physical and mental types of fatigue, their sleep situation, and their attitude toward work or housekeeping, both before and after 12 weeks of treatment, according to Kampo diagnosis. Results: The mental fatigue, physical fatigue, and sleep scores of both groups, and the work score of CFG, were decreased. The rate of reduction of the fatigue score was significantly greater in CFG than in NCFG. The factor responsible for this difference in fatigue score was physical fatigue. Conclusions: A reduction of the perception of chronic fatigue was observed in patients receiving 12 weeks of Kampo therapy.