Graded Exercise Therapy guided SElf-help Treatment for CFS/ME

INTERVENTION: Current interventions as of 28/02/2017: Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two study groups. In one group participants are guided, by a physiotherapist, through the graded exercise programme (GETSET) described in a self‐help booklet (http://www.wolfson.qmul.ac.uk/images/pdfs/getset/GET%20guide%20booklet%20version%201%2022062010.pdf), of which they will have a copy. Participants will follow the six steps described in the GETSET booklet that will inform them how to use graded exercise or physical activity to feel less tired and reduce disability in a planned and safe way. They will be given individual supportive guidance in how to apply the booklet over the next 8 weeks with up to 90 minutes of face‐to‐face/telephone and/or Skype support by a physiotherapist experienced in treating people with CFS/ME. In the other group participants continue to follow specialist medical advice as usual. Participants will be asked to rate their own health and disability at the end of the treatment period and also measure how much consequent face‐to‐face treatment they receive, to see if those who had the GETSET need less face‐to‐face treatment in the service afterwards. The qualitative study will explore patient experiences of Guided graded Exercise Self‐help (GES) delivered as part of the randomised controlled trial. The study will investigate the differences and similarities in treatment perceptions and experiences of guided graded exercise self‐help (GES) among CFS/ME participants reporting an improvement compared to those reporting a deterioration in their condition. Follow Up Length: 3 month(s); Study Entry : Single Randomisation only Long Term Follow‐up: 12 months from study entry Previous interventions: Guided support: A copy of the GETSET booklet, one 30 minute consultation face‐to‐face, by Skype or telephone, and 3 further Skype of telephone contacts. Intervention over 9 weeks. Follow Up Length: 3 month(s); Study Entry : Single Randomisation only CONDITION: Health services research ; Nervous System Diseases ; Postviral fatigue syndrome PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. SF‐36 physical function subscale (SF‐36PF) measured at 12 weeks from randomisation; ; Added 21/07/2015:; 2. Chalder fatigue scale measured at 12 weeks and 1 year; ; Updated 28/02/2017:; 2. Chalder Fatigue Scale measured at 12 weeks SECONDARY OUTCOME: Clinical global impression change (CGI) score measured 12 weeks from baseline INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patients attending two CFS/ME specialist clinics in London 2. Patients receiving a diagnosis of CFS/ME from a specialist doctor,and going onto a waiting list for clinic treatment 3. Patients must be 18 years or over 4. Speak and read English adequately to provide informed consent and read the guided support booklet. 5. Target Gender: Male & Female 6. Lower Age Limit 18 years