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A review of current exercise management practices for chronic fatigue syndrome
Book chapter   Peer reviewed

A review of current exercise management practices for chronic fatigue syndrome

Suzanne Broadbent
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Risk Factors, Management and Impacts on Daily Life, pp.41-78
Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
2014
url
https://novapublishers.com/View
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Abstract

chronic fatigue syndrome CFS
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has no clear aetiology, and is defined as severe and chronic fatigue that has lasted for more than six consecutive months, and that is not due to physical exertion or other medical conditions associated with fatigue (CDC, 1994; Fukuda et al., 1994). CFS patients may suffer from four or more of the following symptoms: post-exertional malaise lasting for more than 24 hours; tender or swollen lymph nodes; recurring sore throat; unrefreshing sleep; significantly impaired short-term memory and/or concentration; headaches; joint pain (Fukuda et al, 1994). Management practices have included rest, pharmacology, cognitive behavioural therapy and/or exercise therapy (such as graded or paced exercise). The evidence for the success of exercise strategies has been mixed. Some studies have reported that appropriate aerobic and strength exercises were well-tolerated in CFS patients, and significantly improved fatigue and exercise capacity (Wallman et al., 2004; Gordon and Lubitz, 2009). However, other research found that graded exercise and pacing exacerbated muscle pain and fatigue (Shephard 2001; White et al., 2011). Intermittent exercise is currently being trialled, and may prove to be efficacious for CFS patients (Broadbent and Coutts, 2013). Being physically inactive may lead to cardiovascular deconditioning, muscle atrophy, weight gain or loss, and is significantly associated with the development of chronic conditions such as cardiac disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes (Blair et al., 1995; Powell et al., 2001; O'Dowd et al., 2006). The challenge for health professionals is to prescribe exercise interventions that improve fatigue, wellness and tolerance for physical activity, but do not exacerbate symptoms in CFS patients. This chapter reviews the current literature and evidence for exercise management of CFS. [Book Synopsis]

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