Postexertional Malaise in Women with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

The results of this study suggest that PEM is both a real and an incapacitating condition for women with CFS and that their responses to exercise are distinctively different from those of sedentary controls.

Pacing as a strategy to improve energy management in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a consensus document

“…include the onset of muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, pain, dizziness, headache and a flu-like malaise [8,15]. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, patients can either stop and rest or change to an activity involving a different muscle group, or both [12].…”

“…recovery after challenging events [11,15]. Although a stressful activity may not precipitate an exacerbation of symptoms on the same day, it is advisable to spend the remaining hours doing less exhausting but meaningful tasks interspersed with periods of rest and relaxation [60].…”

“…Although a stressful activity may not precipitate an exacerbation of symptoms on the same day, it is advisable to spend the remaining hours doing less exhausting but meaningful tasks interspersed with periods of rest and relaxation [60]. Moreover, if tolerance levels have not been determined, this schedule should be maintained for 48 hours as the majority of adverse reactions begin within this time frame [15,39].…”

Harms of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Designed to Increase Activity Levels in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Questions Remain

“…There is evidence that an activity limit exists in CFS, and that exercising above this can lead to an increase in some symptoms [8] . A Dutch survey (n = 100) found that 38% of CFS patients reported feeling worse following CBT [3] .…”

“…CFS is associated with dozens of symptoms [7] , and exercise of various intensities has been shown to exacerbate numerous symptoms [8][9][10] . Many of these symptoms are not measured by the instruments that Heins et al used, suggesting that the claim that 'patients receiving CBT do not experience more frequent or more severe symptom deterioration than untreated patients' at best only applies to some of the symptoms individuals with CFS can experience.…”