Comparing Post-exertional Symptom Worsening in Adults With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Heart Diseases Using Exercise Tests and Muscle Oxygen Monitoring

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare post-exertional symptom worsening in two groups patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome MECFS and patients with cardiac diseases who undergo an exercise test as part of routine care. MECFS is characterized by persistent fatigue along with pain, sleep problems, cognitive and autonomic symptoms, and muscle and digestive issues. A key feature is post-exertional malaise, meaning symptoms worsen after physical or mental effort. The study also investigates how muscle oxygen levels change during exercise using Near Infrared Spectroscopy NIRS. Participants will take part in a standardized exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Muscle oxygenation will be monitored before, during, and after exercise using NIRS. Symptoms will be assessed with questionnaires before the test and over the following 7 days. Two groups are studied MECFS patients diagnosed by international criteria, and cardiac patients referred for exercise tests due to symptoms like palpitations or chest pain, who also have moderate to severe fatigue. During the study, researchers will track the time it takes for symptoms to start after exercise and monitor how symptoms change over 7 days. They will also measure the duration and intensity of symptoms and record muscle oxygen levels. Participants must be able to use digital devices to complete online questionnaires. The study monitors these outcomes to better understand post-exertional symptom patterns in both patient groups, with the trial lasting up to 7 days after the exercise test.

Is Post-exertional Symptom Exacerbation Specific to Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? A Study Comparing Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Patients With Cardiac Diseases Who Underwent an Exercise Test.