Article

Unrefreshing sleep and lowered physical activity are commonly observed
in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients, but how they might influence each
other remains unexplored. Therefore, this study simultaneously examined the
exercise capacity, sleep characteristics and physical activity in CFS patients.
METHODS: Handgrip strength and cycle exercise capacity were assessed in 42 female
CFS patients and 24 inactive control subjects. During four consecutive days and
nights, energy expenditure, activity and sleep-wake pattern were objectively
registered using a Sensewear Armband. RESULTS: Exercise capacity was
significantly lower in CFS patients. In both groups VO2peak correlated with the
time subjects were physically active. In CFS patients only, VO2peak correlated
negatively with sleeping during the day whilst physical activity level and energy
expenditure correlated negatively with sleep latency and lying awake at night.
CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, CFS patients with higher VO2peak tend to sleep
less over day. Occupation in physical activities was negatively associated with
sleep latency and lying awake at night. Increased physical activity potentially
has beneficial effects on sleep quality in CFS. However, a close monitoring of
the effects of increasing physical activity is essential to avoid negative
effects on the health status of patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Female
patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have normal sleep latency and sleep
efficiency, but sleep more and spent more time in bed as compared to healthy
inactive women. Female CFS patients have lower exercise capacity, and a lower
physical activity level as compared to healthy inactive women. CFS patients
appear to be more sensitive for sleep quality (sleep latency and lying awake at
night), which is associated with a low physical activity level.

Langue : ANGLAIS