Editorial in Jacobs Journal of Physiotherapy and Exercise: it is essential to protect ME patients against harm by exercise regimes

Prolonged Abnormal Effects of Exercise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  Editorial in Jacobs Journal of Physiotherapy and Exercise by Frank N.M. Twisk, May 2015 :

  Exercise, especially exercise programs, has various beneficial health effects. However, in the case of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome physical exertion can induce prolonged negative effects on the patient’s condition (post-exertional “malaise”).

  The exacerbation of symptoms after exercise can plausibly be explained by exertion-induced abnormalities in ME/ CFS. In order to unravel the pathophysiology and to protect the patients’ from iatrogenic harm of exercise regimes, it is essential to asses and diagnoses patients objectively.