Relationship between cardiopulmonary, mitochondrial and autonomic nervous system function improvement after an individualised activity programme upon chronic fatigue syndrome patients

Sławomir Kujawski (Coresponding Author), Jo Cossington, Joanna Słomko, Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska, Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe, Jacek J. Klawe, Katarzyna Buszko, Djordje G. Jakovljevic, Mariusz Kozakiewicz, Karl J. Morten, Helen Dawes, James W.L. Strong, Modra Murovska, Jessica Van Oosterwijck, Fernando Estevez-Lopez, Julia L. Newton, Lynette Hodges, Paweł Zalewski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
1 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: The therapeutic effects of exercise from structured activity programmes have recently been questioned; as a result, this study examines the impact of an Individualised Activity Program (IAP) on the relationship with cardiovascular, mitochondrial and fatigue parameters. Methods: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients were assessed using Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS). VO2peak, VO2submax and heart rate (HR) were assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels in plasma were assessed. A Task Force Monitor was used to assess ANS functioning in supine rest and in response to the Head-Up Tilt Test (HUTT). Results: Thirty-four patients completed 16 weeks of the IAP. The CFQ, FSS and FIS scores decreased significantly along with a significant increase in Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels (p = 0.002 and p = 0.00005, respectively). The relationships between VO2 peak and Mfn1 increase in response to IAP (p = 0.03) and between VO2 at anaerobic threshold and ANS response to the HUTT (p = 0.03) were noted. Conclusions: It is concluded that IAP reduces fatigue and improves functional performance along with changes in autonomic and mitochondrial function. However, caution must be applied as exercise was not well tolerated by 51% of patients.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1542
JournalJournal of clinical medicine
Volume10
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2021

Keywords*

  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Exercise
  • Mitofusin
  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis
  • Oxygen consumption

Field of Science*

  • 3.2 Clinical medicine
  • 3.3 Health sciences

Publication Type*

  • 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

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