Assessment of Exercise Response in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating exercise tolerance in people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) by comparing two exercise tests: a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) with gas measurement and a peak cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) using incremental cycling. The goal is to see if the 6MWT can detect exercise impairment without causing the post-exertional malaise often triggered by the peak CPET. This study respects participants' rights and confidentiality and has ethical approval from a university hospital. Participants will have their usual physical activity recorded continuously for 7 days before performing the 6MWT. After the 6MWT, activity monitoring will continue for another 7 days. Fourteen days later, they will undergo the peak CPET, followed by a further 7 days of activity monitoring to ensure recovery from the test. The study involves detailed measurement of exercise responses and physical activity levels during these periods. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including lung function tests, medication intake, quality of life, fatigue levels, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and various exercise performance measures. Data will be analyzed to compare the two tests' ability to evaluate exercise tolerance and their impact on physical activity. Participation lasts around 5 weeks with continuous monitoring and multiple assessments to understand exercise effects in CFS/ME.

Assessment of Exercise Response in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.