A 6-month aquatic exercise programme for individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: benefits for symptoms, health and physical capacity.

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Physical Medicine / Rehabilitation - Other physical medicine / rehabilitation; Other - Conditions of unknown or disputed aetiology (such as chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis)

• Registration Number: ACTRN12618001683224
• Lead Sponsor: Southern Cross University

Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2018-10-12
• Last Update Posted: 12 November 2018

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ot yet recruiting
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

(1) Age range of 18-80 years
(2) GP diagnosis of CFS &/or ME, Post Viral Syndrome, Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome or Chronic Mononucleosis by means of the Canadian Consensus criteria or the Fukuda criteria
(3) Does not currently participate in regular vigorous exercise or physical activity
(4) Is able to communicate in English
(5) Able to give informed, signed consent
(6) Able to commit the time required for participating in this research

Exclusion Criteria

(1) Cardiovascular condition that makes physical activity hazardous
(2) Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or uncontrolled asthma
(3) A diagnosed medical condition other than CFS/ME which causes chronic or severe fatigue
(4) Metabolic, renal, endocrine, autoimmune, neurological or inflammatory disease that makes physical activity hazardous
(5) A current musculoskeletal injury that prevents physical activity
(6) Mental illness that makes participation in this research hazardous
(7) Infectious diseases
(8) Non-swimmer
(9) Allergic to chlorine or other pool chemicals
(10) Pregnant

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Physical capacity:<br>This component will be assessed by performing a 6 minute walk test,[1-2 weeks pre-intervention commencement and again 1-2 weeks post-intervention.];Fatigue:<br>This component will be assessed by the FACIT fatigue and tiredness scale[1-2 weeks pre-intervention commencement and again 1-2 weeks post-intervention.];Pain:<br>measured by means of a visual analogue pain scale[1-2 weeks pre-intervention commencement and again 1-2 weeks post-intervention.]

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Primary outcome [4]<br>Quality of life - as measured by the SF-36 Quality of life questionnaire.<br><br>[Primary timepoint [4]<br>1-2 weeks pre-intervention commencement and again 1-2 weeks post-intervention.<br><br>];Physical capacity: Composite outcome<br>- as measured by exercise heart rate ( water resistant hear rate monitors) and RPE (measured on a 0-10 RPE visual analogue scale).<br>[Peak exercise heart rate will be recorded during each exercise session.<br>RPE will be monitored and recorded throughout each exercise session.<br><br>];Symptoms: Composite outcome<br>- as measured by the FACIT fatigue and tiredness scale; and a VAS Pain scale, recorded in the participants' symptom and activity diaries[Fatigue and pain symptoms will be recorded after each exercise session; after 24; and 48 hours post each exercise session. ]