The effect of exercise on gait and balance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

This study investigated anecdotal reports of gait and balance abnormalities in subjects with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) by examining the effects o f a light exercise test on postural sway and various gait parameters. Tests were performed an 11 CFS patients and 11 age- and sex-matched sedentary co ntrols. Results demonstrated that postural sway was not significantly diffe rent in both groups before or after the exercise test. There were, however, significant differences in gait parameters between the two groups confirmi ng anecdotal evidence, but these differences were not exacerbated by the ex ercise test. Heart rate responses demonstrated that both groups were exerci sing at similar loads, although this was perceived to be higher by the CFS group. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.