Abstract
Background: Cognitive function disturbance is a frequently described symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In this study, the effects of a structured exercise programme (SEP) upon cognitive function in ME/CFS patients was examined. Methods: Out of the 53 ME/CFS patients initiating SEP 34 (64%) completed the 16 week programme. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery test consisting of a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) (repeated three times) and Choice Reaction Time (CRT) measurements, a Visual Attention Test (VAT) and a Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) assessment. Results: Statistically significant improvement was noted in the third attempt to SRT in reaction time for correct answers, p = 0.045, r = 0.24. Moreover, significant improvement was noted in VAT reaction time, number of correct answers and errors committed, p = 0.02, omega = 0.03, p = 0.007, r = 0.34 and p = 0.004, r = 0.35, respectively. Non-significant changes were noted in other cognitive tests. Conclusions: A substantial number of participants were unwilling or unable to complete the exercise programme. ME/CFS patients able to complete the SEP showed improved visual attention both in terms of reaction time and correctness of responses and processing speed of simple visual stimuli.
Highlights
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex disorder characterised by symptoms including chronic fatigue, exercise intolerance, disordered cognitive functions, autonomic dysfunction, pain, and non–restorative sleep
A statistically significant improvement was noted in reaction time for correct answers in the third
A statistically significant improvement was observed in the number of correct answers and errors committed in Visual Attention Test (VAT) (53.77 before vs. 55.47 after structured exercise programme (SEP)), T = 118.5, z = 2.72, p = 0.007, r = 0.34 and 6.68 before vs. 4.68 after SEP), T = 120.5, z = 2.86, p = 0.004, r = 0.35, respectively (Figures 3 and 4)
Summary
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex disorder characterised by symptoms including chronic fatigue, exercise intolerance, disordered cognitive functions, autonomic dysfunction, pain, and non–restorative sleep. Cognitive function disturbance is a frequently described symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The effects of a structured exercise programme (SEP) upon cognitive function in ME/CFS patients was examined. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery test consisting of a Simple Reaction Time (SRT). Results: Statistically significant improvement was noted in the third attempt to SRT in reaction time for correct answers, p = 0.045, r = 0.24. Significant improvement was noted in VAT reaction time, number of correct answers and errors committed, p = 0.02, omega = 0.03, p = 0.007, r = 0.34 and p = 0.004, r = 0.35, respectively
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
