Exploring Chronic Fatigue: Neural Correlates, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies

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66

authors

15

articles

Exploring Chronic Fatigue: Neural Correlates, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies

100.3K

views

66

authors

15

articles

Editorial

10 December 2025

Editorial: Exploring chronic fatigue: neural correlates, mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies

Sławomir Kujawski

,

Lynette Hodges

,

Karl J. Morten

and

Paweł Zalewski

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This Research Topic is part of a series with Fatigue: Physiology and Pathology .

Fatigue, encompassing both physical and mental dimensions, remains a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has intrigued researchers for over a century. Despite significant efforts, a comprehensive theory elucidating the origins and neural mechanisms of mental fatigue is still lacking. Physical fatigue is characterized by the transient inability of muscles to sustain optimal performance, often exacerbated by intense physical activity. In contrast, mental fatigue is defined as a temporary decline in cognitive performance following prolonged cognitive exertion. Chronic fatigue is a prevalent symptom in various chronic disorders, including hypertension, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and heart failure, yet it remains undertreated. Recent studies have highlighted the potential for improved therapeutic efficacy through a deeper understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying fatigue. However, significant gaps persist in our knowledge, particularly regarding the neural and physiological underpinnings of mental fatigue and its chronic manifestations.

This Research Topic aims to collect and synthesize papers that explore both the physiology of fatigue and the mechanisms underlying its pathological forms, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The objective is to address specific questions related to the neural and physiological mechanisms of fatigue, test hypotheses concerning the role of the nervous system, and evaluate the efficacy of various treatments. By doing so, the research aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps and contribute to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for managing chronic fatigue and related disorders.

To gather further insights into the complex nature of fatigue, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Current views on the role of the nervous system in ME/CFS etiology
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) disturbances in ME/CFS
- Pathological mechanisms underlying post-exertional malaise (PEM)
- Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments of ME/CFS
- Chronic fatigue as a symptom in chronic disorders: mechanisms and treatments
- Neural correlates of fatigue in healthy participants
- Brain and cognitive function in chronic fatigue
- Autonomic nervous system function in chronic fatigue
- Influence of sleep deprivation on the nervous system and cognitive function
- Influence of aging on fatigue
- Influence of breathing techniques on the Central Autonomic Network and ANS
- Comparative analysis of James-Lange vs. Cannon-Bard theories on emotion and fatigue
- Unifying approaches to central and peripheral factors in the perception of fatigue
- Application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the study of fatigue and qualia

This Research Topic is part of a series with Fatigue: Physiology and Pathology .

Fatigue, encompassing both physical and mental dimensions, remains a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has intrigued researchers for over a century. Despite significant efforts, a comprehensive theory elucidating the origins and neural mechanisms of mental fatigue is still lacking. Physical fatigue is characterized by the transient inability of muscles to sustain optimal performance, often exacerbated by intense physical activity. In contrast, mental fatigue is defined as a temporary decline in cognitive performance following prolonged cognitive exertion. Chronic fatigue is a prevalent symptom in various chronic disorders, including hypertension, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and heart failure, yet it remains undertreated. Recent studies have highlighted the potential for improved therapeutic efficacy through a deeper understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying fatigue. However, significant gaps persist in our knowledge, particularly regarding the neural and physiological underpinnings of mental fatigue and its chronic manifestations.

This Research Topic aims to collect and synthesize papers that explore both the physiology of fatigue and the mechanisms underlying its pathological forms, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The objective is to address specific questions related to the neural and physiological mechanisms of fatigue, test hypotheses concerning the role of the nervous system, and evaluate the efficacy of various treatments. By doing so, the research aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps and contribute to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for managing chronic fatigue and related disorders.

To gather further insights into the complex nature of fatigue, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Current views on the role of the nervous system in ME/CFS etiology
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) disturbances in ME/CFS
- Pathological mechanisms underlying post-exertional malaise (PEM)
- Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments of ME/CFS
- Chronic fatigue as a symptom in chronic disorders: mechanisms and treatments
- Neural correlates of fatigue in healthy participants
- Brain and cognitive function in chronic fatigue
- Autonomic nervous system function in chronic fatigue
- Influence of sleep deprivation on the nervous system and cognitive function
- Influence of aging on fatigue
- Influence of breathing techniques on the Central Autonomic Network and ANS
- Comparative analysis of James-Lange vs. Cannon-Bard theories on emotion and fatigue
- Unifying approaches to central and peripheral factors in the perception of fatigue
- Application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the study of fatigue and qualia

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Frontiers in Neuroscience

Autonomic Neuroscience

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Frontiers in Neurology

Experimental Therapeutics

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Frontiers in Physiology

Autonomic Neuroscience

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