Physical activity intensity but not sedentary activity is reduced in chronic fatigue syndrome and is associated with autonomic regulation

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common debilitating condition associated with reduced function and impaired quality of life. The cause is unknown and treatments limited. Studies confirm that CFS is associated with impaired autonomic regulation and impaired muscle function. Aim: Defin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:QJM : An International Journal of Medicine 2011-08, Vol.104 (8), p.681-687
Main Authors: Newton, J.L., Pairman, J., Hallsworth, K., Moore, S., Plötz, T., Trenell, M.I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Autonomic Nervous System - physiopathology
Biological and medical sciences
Cohort Studies
Energy Metabolism
Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic - physiopathology
Female
General aspects
Heart Rate - physiology
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Motor Activity
Muscles - physiology
Sedentary Lifestyle
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Summary:Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common debilitating condition associated with reduced function and impaired quality of life. The cause is unknown and treatments limited. Studies confirm that CFS is associated with impaired autonomic regulation and impaired muscle function. Aim: Define the relationship between sedentary behaviour, physical activity and autonomic regulation in people with CFS. Design: Cohort study. Methods: Physical activity was assessed objectively in 107 CFS patients (Fukuda) and age, sex and body mass index (BMI)-matched sedentary controls (n = 107). Fatigue severity was determined using the Fatigue Impact Scale in all participants and heart rate variability performed in the CFS group. Results: The CFS group had levels and patterns of sedentary behaviour similar to non-fatigue controls (P > 0.05). Seventy-nine percent of the CFS group did not achieve the WHO recommended 10 000 steps per day. Active energy expenditure [time >3 METs (metabolic equivalents)] was reduced in CFS when compared with controls (P 
ISSN:1460-2725
1460-2393
DOI:10.1093/qjmed/hcr029