Fatigue Impact Research Articles

Unpacking fatigue: How burnout and engagement influence commitment and overtime among South African workers

Orientation: Workplace fatigue has harmed the working environment, with workers becoming increasingly exhausted, disgruntled and detached from their work and co-workers. Curbing workplace fatigue is important to increase job performance, commitment, satisfaction and safety in the work environment.Research purpose: The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of fatigue on the relationship between overtime, burnout, commitment and engagement among South African blue-collar workers. The study also aims to understand the mediating role burnout and engagement play in the relationship model.Motivation of the study: The motivation behind this study was to understand the role fatigue plays in the working life of blue-collar workers.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study explored the relationship between overtime, burnout, engagement and commitment among blue-collar workers in South Africa. Data from 381 participants were gathered using purposive sampling.Main findings: The study found negative links between burnout, work engagement, and fatigue, showing that burnout or low engagement increases fatigue. Burnout and fatigue both reduce work commitment, weakening dedication to work.Practical/managerial implications: Reducing fatigue in blue-collar workers may lower burnout and increase commitment, engagement, and overtime willingness. Addressing burnout and promoting engagement is key to minimising fatigue’s negative impact on organisational outcomes.Contribution/value-add: The study contributed to deeper insight into the effect fatigue and burnout have on the blue-collar sample’s work commitment, work engagement and willingness to work overtime.

Improvement in Depressive Symptoms Is Associated with Sustained Improvement in Fatigue Impact in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Improvement in Depressive Symptoms Is Associated with Sustained Improvement in Fatigue Impact in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Bridging the gap: examining circadian biology and fatigue alongside work schedules

We compared three different work schedules in a large oil company: 1) two days of 12 h of daytime shifts followed by two consecutive 12 h night shifts, followed by four work-free days (“2 x 2 x 4”), 2) four consecutive 12 h daytime shifts and four consecutive 12 h night shifts, flanked by four work-free days (“4 x 4 x 4”), 3) a non-rotating schedule involving continuous 12 h daytime shifts during 40 days (“fixed 12 h”). We measured wrist-actigraphy, peripheral temperature rhythms, and subjective self-reports regarding fatigue, somnolence, and psycho-affective features. Sleep duration on the resting period was significantly less than the recommended 7 h. The “2 x 2 x 4” schedule resulted in decreased sleep regularity and increased circadian disruption, higher levels of insomnia, increased fatigue impact, lower alertness levels, and heightened symptoms of depression associated with more nocturnal sleep time after diurnal work. Our findings indicate that health and safety vary depending on the type of schedule employed.

Comparative effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy, modafinil, and their combination for treating fatigue in multiple sclerosis (COMBO-MS): a randomised, statistician-blinded, parallel-arm trial

Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms reported by people with multiple sclerosis. Although behavioural and pharmacological interventions might be partly beneficial, their combined effects have not been evaluated for multiple sclerosis fatigue, or examined with sufficient consideration of characteristics that might affect treatment response. In this comparative effectiveness research trial, we compared the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), modafinil, and their combination for treating multiple sclerosis fatigue. This randomised, analyst-blinded, parallel-arm, comparative effectiveness trial was done at two universities in the USA. Adults (aged ≥18 years) with multiple sclerosis and problematic fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] score ≥4) were randomly assigned (1:1:1), using a web-based treatment assignment system with minimisation, to receive CBT, modafinil, or both for 12 weeks. Statisticians were masked to group assignment, but participants, study neurologists, CBT interventionalists, and coordinators were not masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was the change in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) from baseline to 12 weeks, assessed using multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, study site, anxiety, pain, baselines MFIS score, and physical activity. Analyses were done by intent to treat. The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03621761, and is completed. Between Nov 15, 2018, and June 2, 2021, 336 participants were randomly assigned treatment (114 assigned to CBT, 114 assigned to modafinil, and 108 assigned to combination therapy). At 12 weeks, CBT (n=103), modafinil (n=107), and combination therapy (n=102) were associated with clinically meaningful within-group MFIS reductions of 15·20 (SD 11·90), 16·90 (15·90), and 17·30 (16·20) points, respectively. Change in MFIS scores from baseline to 12 weeks did not differ between groups: relative to combination therapy, the adjusted total mean difference in MFIS change score was 1·88 (95% CI -2·21 to 5·96) for CBT and 1·20 (-2·83 to 5·23) for modafinil. Most common adverse events for modafinil-containing treatment groups included insomnia (eight [7%] for modafinil and eight [7%] for combination therapy) and anxiety (three [3%] for modafinil and nine [8%] for combination therapy). Modafinil, CBT, and combination therapy were associated with similar reductions in the effects of multiple sclerosis fatigue at 12 weeks. Combination therapy was not associated with augmented improvement compared with the individual interventions. Further research is needed to determine whether effects of these interventions on multiple sclerosis-related fatigue is influenced by sleep hygiene and sleepiness. No serious adverse events related to the study drug were encountered. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Impact of Siponimod on Clinical and Radiological Parameters of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Real-World Prospective Study.

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) presents with a challenging clinical phenotype, and siponimod has a potential to treat the active clinical phenotype of this disease. This single-center longitudinal study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of siponimod in patients with active SPMS over 12 months. The clinical and radiological parameters of 50 patients with active SPMS treated using siponimod were assessed at baseline and after a 1-year follow-up period using the annual relapse rate (ARR), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the occurrence of gadolinium-enhanced lesion (GdE+), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. The urine bladder postvoid residual (PVR) volume was also measured in a subcohort of 39 participants. Participants with an EDSS score ≥5.0 at baseline were finally assessed separately in prespecified subgroup analyses. There were significant reductions in ARR (p<0.001), GdE+ (p<0.001), and MFIS score (p=0.001) during the follow-up period. The progression of physical and cognitive disabilities remained stable (p>0.05). The PVR-volume analysis revealed a significant decrease in urine bladder PVR volume (p<0.001). These observations were consistent for the subgroup with EDSS score ≥5.0. Siponimod demonstrated efficacy in reducing ARR, GdE+, fatigue levels, and PVR volume, while maintaining stability in the cognitive and physical disability statuses of patients with SPMS. Similar findings were documented in the subgroup with EDSS score ≥5.0.

Improvement of fatigue, depression, and processing speed two weeks post Natalizumab infusion in Multiple Sclerosis: No difference between standard and extended interval dosing schedules

BackgroundFatigue, depression and slow processing speed are debilitating symptoms in people with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) that significantly impacts on the quality of life. Natalizumab, a disease-modifying treatment, improves clinical symptoms but questions remain about the comparative efficacy between its standard interval dosing (SID) and extended interval dosing (EID) schedules. ObjectiveTo examine the impact of short term natalizumab dosing schedules—SID versus EID—on the so called “invisible symptoms”, specifically focusing on symptom exacerbation during the 'wearing-off' phase before infusion and the subsequent relief post-infusion. MethodsForty-two RRMS patients were assessed one week before (T0) and two weeks after pre-and post-natalizumab infusion (T1) for fatigue symptoms using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and the Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire–Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS). Processing speed and depression were measured by the symbol digit modality test (SDMT), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Participants were categorized into either the SID or EID dosing schedules of natalizumab, and their outcomes were compared. ResultsForty-two patients (21 SID; 21 EID) completed the study. Fatigue severity scales, SDMT, and BDI-II scores improved from T0 to T1. No significant differences in fatigue symptoms were found between the SID and EID groups, whether during the "wearing-off" period (T0) or post-infusion (T1). ConclusionsBoth SID and EID dosing regimens of natalizumab are similarly effective in reducing fatigue symptoms, depression and improving processing speed in individuals with RRMS, with no observed differences during the "wearing-off" periods or after re-infusion.

Association between CD20+ T lymphocytes and neuropsychological findings in multiple sclerosis.

CD20+ T lymphocytes are a subset of circulating T cells presenting the CD20+ receptor, a molecular marker of B lineage. CD20+ T lymphocytes are thought to play a pivotal role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology, especially at progressive stages. We aimed to investigate the correlation between CD20+ T lymphocytes and neuropsychological features (i.e., cognition, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep quality) in MS patients. We enrolled 90 MS patients. Each patient underwent cognitive assessment (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis) and psychometric assessment (modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Cognitive status was defined through the cerebral functional score. Forty-four of 90 patients were relapsing-remitting (49%) and 46 were progressive patients (51%). Seventy patients (18.9%) showed CD20+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood with a mean level of 0.38 ± 1.2%. Patients with CD20+ T lymphocytes were more likely to be at progressive phases (76.5% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.02) and showed a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score (median [range] = 6.0 [1.5-7.5] vs. 3.5 [1-7.5], p = 0.001). Moreover, patients with CD20+ T lymphocytes showed worse cognitive functioning (p = 0.004), higher global fatigue symptoms (p = 0.02), higher cognitive fatigue (p = 0.01), higher psychosocial fatigue (p = 0.005), and a trend toward worse sleep quality (p = 0.06). The presence of CD20+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of MS patients was associated with worse neuropsychological functioning and progressive disease stages. Peripheral CD20+ T lymphocytes could potentially serve as markers for both disease progression and development of fatigue in MS patients.

Impact of Smartphone-Induced Mental Fatigue on Resistance Training Performance and Efficiency - The Role of Smartphone Use During Workout

Introduction Resistance training volume is a key determinant of muscle hypertrophy and strength development. However, mental fatigue can significantly impact this volume, ultimately affecting performance. One prominent source of mental fatigue in modern gym environments is smartphone use, which has become pervasive and may reduce workout efficiency and overall training volume. Purpose This review examines the dual effects of smartphone use on resistance training outcomes and offers strategies to balance these impacts effectively. Conclusions Smartphone-induced mental fatigue increases perceived exertion, leading to reduced performance during resistance training by lowering volume-load and endurance, particularly in low- and moderate-intensity exercises. Despite this, maximal strength appears to remain unaffected. Additionally, smartphone use diverts cognitive resources, resulting in mental fatigue and impairing both physical and technical performance due to distractions during workouts. It can also unintentionally prolong rest periods, which disrupts the balance between muscle recovery and mental readiness, further decreasing training efficiency. However, smartphones also offer valuable benefits, such as access to fitness apps, progress tracking, and motivational music, which can help maintain or even enhance performance by improving focus and motivation. To minimize distractions and optimize training outcomes, strategies such as using airplane mode or scheduling specific times for phone use are recommended. While excessive smartphone use can impair training efficiency, careful management and strategic use can enable athletes to capitalize on its benefits and improve resistance training results. Future research should focus on developing best practices for incorporating smartphone use in fitness settings to balance its advantages while minimizing its downsides.

Enhancement algorithm for surface electromyographic-based gesture recognition based on real-time fusion of muscle fatigue features

This study aims to optimize surface electromyography-based gesture recognition technique, focusing on the impact of muscle fatigue on the recognition performance. An innovative real-time analysis algorithm is proposed in the paper, which can extract muscle fatigue features in real time and fuse them into the hand gesture recognition process. Based on self-collected data, this paper applies algorithms such as convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory networks to provide an in-depth analysis of the feature extraction method of muscle fatigue, and compares the impact of muscle fatigue features on the performance of surface electromyography-based gesture recognition tasks. The results show that by fusing the muscle fatigue features in real time, the algorithm proposed in this paper improves the accuracy of hand gesture recognition at different fatigue levels, and the average recognition accuracy for different subjects is also improved. In summary, the algorithm in this paper not only improves the adaptability and robustness of the hand gesture recognition system, but its research process can also provide new insights into the development of gesture recognition technology in the field of biomedical engineering.

Impact of pain, fatigue and bowel incontinence on the quality of life of people living with inflammatory bowel disease: A UK cross-sectional survey.

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience pain, fatigue and bowel incontinence and are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Our aim was to assess the impact of these symptoms on health-related quality of life (QoL) in IBD. In the IBD-BOOST survey, over 26,000 people with IBD across the UK were approached; 8486 participant-completed surveys were returned. Participants' QoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and their QoL was calculated on a scale ranging from 1 (perfect health) to -0.594 (worst health). Item non-response was imputed. Stages of linear regression models assessed the associations of symptoms with QoL controlling for IBD type, socio-demographic characteristics, co-morbidities and, in further analysis, for IBD activity and IBD control. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was fully completed by 8093 (95.4%) participants (mean age of 50years [SD 15]; 49% with Crohn's disease). The mean QoL was 0.76 (SD 0.23). From the three IBD-related symptoms, pain was associated with the largest QoL decrement (-0.159), followed by fatigue (-0.140) and bowel incontinence (-0.048). Co-occurrence of pain and fatigue further reduced QoL. Clear graded associations were observed between symptom severity and QoL decrements (all trend p<0.001). Depression and anxiety were also associated with significant QoL decrements (-0.102 and -0.110 for moderate-to-severe anxiety and moderately severe depression, respectively). Worse IBD control and higher IBD activity were associated with lower QoL. We report strong associations between symptoms of pain, fatigue, bowel incontinence, anxiety, depression, and their severity and reduced QoL in IBD. These estimates could inform future IBD management interventions.

Evaluation of tomato farmworker upper limb ergonomic risk factors

Research on musculoskeletal disorders among tomato farmworkers is limited. This pilot study aims to generate insights and preliminary data on tasks performed by tomato farmworkers at a demonstration test plot, evaluating associated ergonomic risk factors. A demonstration test plot was constructed to simulate tasks performed by tomato farmworkers. Muscle activity in the anterior deltoid and upper trapezius was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) and compared among tasks. The intensity of physical activity during stake pounding, bucket tossing, and tying tasks was monitored using a GT9X activity monitor. Non-parametric ANOVA revealed that the upper trapezius exhibited the highest muscle activity in all tasks (p < 0.05). Stake pounding showed the highest muscle activity, peak loads, and the most intense physical activity. Future studies will focus on assessing tomato farmworker activities over longer shifts and evaluating the impact of posture, fatigue, and energy expenditure on the risk for musculoskeletal disorders.

Impact of Quadriceps Muscle Fatigue on Ankle Joint Compensation Strategies During Single-Leg Vertical Jump Landing.

This study investigates the impact of quadriceps fatigue on lower limb biomechanics during the landing phase of a single-leg vertical jump (SLJ) in 25 amateur male basketball players from Ningbo University. Fatigue was induced through single-leg knee flexion and extension exercises until task failure. Kinematic and dynamic data were collected pre-fatigue (PRF) and post-fatigue (POF) using the Vicon motion capture system and the AMTI force platform and analyzed using an OpenSim musculoskeletal model. Paired sample t-tests revealed significant changes in knee and hip biomechanics under different fatigue conditions, with knee joint angle (p < 0.001), velocity (p = 0.006), moment (p = 0.006), and power (p = 0.036) showing significant alterations. Hip joint angle (p = 0.002), moment (p = 0.033), and power (p < 0.001) also exhibited significant changes. Muscle activation and joint power were significantly higher in the POF condition, while joint stiffness was lower. These findings suggest that quadriceps fatigue leads to biomechanical adjustments in the knee and hip joints, which may increase the risk of injury despite aiding in landing stability.

Building Integrated Heliostats

Heliostats offer a means of improving solar access in densely populated cities. Ocular and skin health considerations recommend control of UV radiation from heliostats in the urban environment. Lessons from integration of polycarbonate filter systems for UV control with building integrated heliostats are discussed, including the impact of solar concentration ratios, thermal stresses, material properties and fatigue. Options for further increasing solar concentration ratios in building integrated heliostat systems are proposed.

Self-reported fatigue in people with post COVID-19: impact on functioning in daily life, and associated factors - a cross-sectional study.

To assess (i) the impact of self-reported fatigue on functioning in daily life, and (ii) the association with sociodemographics, physical capacity, and work ability among people with post-COVID-19. A cross-sectional study. Adults reporting post-COVID-19 symptoms for at least 2 months. Participants were recruited through social media and responded to an online survey between October 2021 and February 2022 regarding sociodemographics, COVID-19 symptoms, comorbidities, physical and mental fatigue, aerobic capacity, and work ability. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used. A total of 614 participants (88% women, mean age 47 years, on average 13 months of symptoms) were included. A majority (≥ 84%) reported both physical fatigue and mental fatigue, according to the Fatigue Severity Scale and Mental Fatigue Scale. The fatigue impacted motivation, physical functioning, work, family, or social life, and increased sensitivity to stress and concentration difficulties. Among the factors, work ability had the strongest association with both physical fatigue and mental fatigue; odds ratio: 0.650 and 0.473, p < 0.001, respectively. This study found that self-reported fatigue is common among people with post-COVID-19, and negatively impacts functioning in daily life. To achieve a sustainable life and work situation, support and targeted rehabilitation interventions may be important.

A Non-Surgical Wearable Option for Bone Conduction Hearing Implants: A Comparative Study with Conventional Bone Conduction Hearing Aids Mounted on Eyeglasses.

This study aimed to compare the audiological benefits of a non-implantable wearable option for a bone conduction (BC) implant mounted on an arch (SoundArc) to those of traditional BC hearing aids (HAs) mounted on eyeglasses (BCHAs) in patients with moderate to severe conductive or mixed hearing loss. A preliminary cross-sectional observational prospective cohort study was conducted in the Tertiary Audiological Department, University Hospital. Fourteen adults with conductive or mixed hearing loss (PTA at 0.5-1-2-4 KHz = 67 ± 15 dB HL) who had been wearing conventional BCHAs mounted on eyeglasses for at least 3 years and had declined surgical implantation of a bone conduction hearing implant (BCHI) were included in the study. Unaided and aided pure-tone air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) thresholds, as well as speech tests in quiet and noise, were recorded at baseline and in two different settings: with a BCHI mounted on SoundArc® and with their own BCHAs mounted on eyeglasses using two couplers. Participants completed questionnaires in both conditions, including the International Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults/Elderly (HHIA/E), the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ), a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS). A significant functional gain was observed in both settings (p = 0.0001). Better speech perception in quiet and noise was observed with SoundArc compared to conventional BCHAs on eyeglasses (improvements in word repetition scores in noise: +19.3 at SNR +10 dB, p = 0.002; +12.1 at SNR 0 dB, p = 0.006; and +11.4 at SNR -10 dB, p = 0.002). No significant differences were found in IOI-HA, FIS, and HHIA/E scores. However, significantly better SSQ scores were reported for SoundArc in all domains (p = 0.0038). Although patients were accustomed to using BCHAs mounted on eyeglasses, the bone conduction wearable option of the BCHI (SoundArc) proved to be a viable alternative for adult patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss who are unable or unwilling to undergo BCHI surgery.

Effects of Fatigue on Ankle Flexor Activity and Ground Reaction Forces in Elite Table Tennis Players.

Fatigue specifically affects the force production capacity of the working muscle, leading to a decline in athletes' performance. This study investigated the impact of fatigue on ankle flexor muscle activity and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in elite table tennis players, with a focus on the implications for performance and injury risk. Twelve elite male table tennis athletes participated in this study, undergoing a fatigue protocol that simulated intense gameplay conditions. Muscle activity of the soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscles, heel height, and GRFs were measured using a combination of wireless electromyography (EMG), motion capture, and force plate systems. Results showed a significant decrease in muscle activity in both legs post-fatigue, with a more pronounced decline in the right leg. This decrease in muscle activity negatively affected ankle joint flexibility, limiting heel lift-off. Interestingly, the maximal anteroposterior GRF generated by the left leg increased in the post-fatigue phase, suggesting the use of compensatory strategies to maintain balance and performance. These findings underscore the importance of managing fatigue, addressing muscle imbalances, and improving ankle flexibility and strength to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Dynamics of choroid plexus volume is associated with the presence and development of fatigue in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundImmune-mediated processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of fatigue, a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). The choroid plexus (CP) regulates central nervous system (CNS) immune homeostasis and undergoes volumetric...

The impact of fatigue on dynamic balance in coopers athletes with chronic ankle instability

Athletes who have successfully regained high sports performance despite prior inversion injuries, and who do not have persistent symptoms, are referred to as “copers” in the literature. The aim of the study was to assess dynamic stability under fatigue in patients with chronic ankle instability in comparison to healthy controls. We conducted a case - controlled study on a group of 60 young, physically active individuals aged 29.8 ± 4.6. They were divided into 3 groups: I - unilateral ankle instability n = 14, II - bilateral ankle instability n = 15, III - no ankle instability, n = 31. All participants filled out questionnaires on the health, the FADI and FADI-S. The study protocol consisted of a dynamic stability measurements by Biodex Balance System, followed by a fatigue test, followed by the series of the same measurements. General stability index value before and value after fatigue test did not differ significantly. The differences between groups in measurements taken before fatigue test (F (2.49) = 1.59; p = 0.214; ηp2 = 0.06) and after fatigue test also proved insignificant (F (2.49) = 1.28; p = 0.286; ηp2 = 0.05). The incidence of structural ankle instability did not affect functional stability. “Copers” had efficient neural-muscular control in dynamic stabilography tests.

Spectrum of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction. Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), which significantly affects patients’ daily life and professional activity. Despite the development of methods to screen MS patients for CI, data on its prevalence in the Russian population are still lacking. Aim: to comprehensively assess cognitive functions in patients with different types of MS. Materials and methods. The study included MS patients who did not have any other possible causes of CI and no diseases or conditions that confounded this assessment. CI was determined using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) test battery and the Stroop test as a decrease in the scores below the mean by at least 1.5 standard deviations. CI was subjectively assessed using the Perceived Deficit Questionnaire; fatigue was subjectively assessed using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The Mann–Whitney test and Fisher’s exact test were used for comparison, and the Spearman test was used to evaluate correlations. Results. We evaluated 77 MS patients (30 men; age 40 [30; 48] years; 47 with relapsing-remitting MS, 30 with progressive MS). CI incidence was 23.4% in patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 77% in patients with progressive MS, while multi-domain CI was statistically significantly more common in patients with progressive MS. Impairment of processing speed was the most common. Patients with relapsing-remitting MS and CI were statistically significantly older and had longer disease duration than those without CI. There was a statistically significant correlation of subjective CI severity with MFIS scores but not with testing results. Conclusion. CI incidence in MS patients was relatively high with greater severity and involvement of more domains in patients with progressive MS. No correlation was found between subjective and objective CI assessment results, which may suggest that patients underestimated their deficit.

Effects of a plank-based strength training programme on muscle activation in patients with long COVID: a case series.

This study aimed to analyse the effects of a plank-based strength training programme on muscle activation in patients with long COVID. Case series study that included patients with long COVID who participated in a 12-week trunk and pelvic muscle strength training programme. Clinical variables and the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS) were used to assess fatigue levels. Percentage of muscle activation during a core muscle plank was measured via surface electromyography. Pre- and post-intervention results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and evaluated with Cohen's D effect size (ES). Twenty-one subjects participated in the study; 81% female, mean age 47.5 years (range: 28-55 years), and median duration of symptoms 21 months (range: 5-24 months); 90.5% of the participants experienced fatigue (MFIS score = 38). Muscle activation during plank exercises improved across all muscles after the intervention, with significant increases in the left (p = 0.011, medium ES) and right external oblique (p =0.039, small ES) muscles and the right latissimus dorsi muscle (p = 0.039, small ES). Additionally, significant reductions in fatigue were observed in the total MFIS score (p = 0.004, medium ES) and in the physical (p < 0.001, large ES) and psychosocial subscales (p = 0.033, small ES). Results suggest that a plank-based strength training programme may be effective in enhancing trunk and pelvic muscle activation in individuals with long COVID.