We are pleased with the discussion
1
after the publication of our randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness
of pain physiology education in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
2
As we reported ourselves, too vigorous exercise can indeed be harmful for patients
with CFS.
3
,
4
,
5
Submaximal and even self-paced limited exercise causes a decrease in pain thresholds,
3
,
5
increased symptom intensity,
5
further immune dysregulation,
6
and increased oxidative stress.
7
To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
Purchase one-time access:
Academic & Personal: 24 hour online accessCorporate R&D Professionals: 24 hour online accessOne-time access price info
- For academic or personal research use, select 'Academic and Personal'
- For corporate R&D use, select 'Corporate R&D Professionals'
Subscribe:
Subscribe to Archives of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationAlready a print subscriber? Claim online access
Already an online subscriber? Sign in
Register: Create an account
Institutional Access: Sign in to ScienceDirect
References
- Educational programs for chronic fatigue syndrome need to take cognizance of the condition's abnormal response to exercise.Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011; 92 (xxx)
- Pain physiology education improves pain beliefs in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with pacing and self-management education: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010; 91: 1153-1159
Meeus M, Roussel NA, Truijen S, Nijs J. Reduced pressure pain thresholds in response to exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome but not in chronic low back pain: an experimental study. J Rehabil Med;42:884-90.
- Unravelling the nature of postexertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: the role of elastase, complement C4a and interleukin-1beta.J Intern Med. 2010; 267: 418-435
- Pain inhibition and postexertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an experimental study.J Intern Med. 2010; 268: 265-278
- Complement activation in a model of chronic fatigue syndrome.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003; 112: 397-403
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: assessment of increased oxidative stress and altered muscle excitability in response to incremental exercise.J Intern Med. 2005; 257: 299-310
- Diffuse noxious inhibitory control is delayed in chronic fatigue syndrome: an experimental study.Pain. 2008; 139: 439-448
- Cognitive-emotional sensitization and somatic health complaints.Scand J Psychol. 2002; 43: 113-121
- Pain neurophysiology education improves cognitions, pain thresholds and movement performance in people with chronic whiplash: a pilot study.J Rehabil Res Dev. 2011; 48: 43-58
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy attenuates nociceptive responding in patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study.Arthritis Care Res. 2010; 62: 618-623
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ScienceDirect
Access this article on ScienceDirectLinked Article
- Educational Programs for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Need to Take Cognizance of the Condition's Abnormal Response to ExerciseArchives of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationVol. 92Issue 6
- PreviewI read the article by Meeus et al1 with interest, but question some of its logic. A “healthy eating” education program could be of benefit to most in society; however, unless it was specifically tailored for people with unusual reactions to some foods, for example people with coeliac disease, it might not be beneficial and could actually harm such individuals. Similarly, given the abnormal response of people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to exercise,2-5 one cannot simply assume a pain management program that is suitable for other groups, such as those with chronic lower back pain (CLBP), will be appropriate and safe in CFS.
- Full-Text
- Preview
