About
The Pacific Fatigue Laboratory (PFL), in partnership with the Workwell Foundation, is a research, clinical and teaching laboratory focused on the functional aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and other fatigue-related disorders. We aim to educate patients in conjunction with health, fitness and legal professionals.
Unique Testing Protocols Improve Clinical Assessment
Despite growing scientific evidence, there has been a strong belief by many physicians, insurers and others that these disorders are psychological. The Pacific Fatigue Lab has developed unique testing protocols that help more accurately assess the physiological status of patients who may be afflicted with fatigue-related disorders.
Our goal is to facilitate an understanding of the biological basis for fatigue and provide objectively determined functional evaluations and therapeutic interventions that will improve quality of life for this population.
- Our laboratory provides comprehensive disability evaluations using cardiopulmonary exercise testing and other measures to evaluate the function of multiple body systems.
- We are engaged in ongoing research projects with Pacific professors in Sport Sciences, Physical Therapy, Bioengineering and Psychology.
- Outside of the University, the PFL has active collaborations with Stanford University, the Whittemore-Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease and Ithaca College.
- Our lab is staffed primarily with students and faculty researchers working together in their respective areas of expertise. Graduate and undergraduate students are an integral part of our lab and are granted responsibilities normally reserved for those with advanced degrees.
“The Pacific Fatigue Lab report helped me to win my case with both Social Security and with Unum. It was not the only reason (I had letters from 5 doctors), but I believe it was one of the strongest reasons. My case was won at the ALJ hearing and the judge dictated...that because of the PFL report and my doctor's functionality report, I won my case.”
—From Patient Email, October 2010
“Testing at the Pacific Fatigue Laboratory has proved invaluable for showing objective evidence of fatigue. The reports are very helpful for my clients in both personal injury cases and long term disability cases involving people with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other medical conditions that produce physiologically based fatigue. Our clients now have validation of their complaints of fatigue which previously would only have been accepted based on their statements alone.”
—Steve P. Krafchick, Krafchick Law Firm
Seattle, Washington