Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

New research, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal of February, 200l,  indicates that those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome,  (CFS),  exercise could provide relief and even a total reversal of the problem.  Millions of Americans suffer from CFS.  What causes the syndrome is not yet known .

In spite of regular medical checkups that show no signs of blood or muscular deficiencies,  people undergo prolonged or occasional fatigue, and are at a loss to understand why they feel this way.  However, while there appears to be no general diagnosis medically,  the reason why people suffer from the syndrome, might be attributed to inactivity.

The study compared four groups of patients with CFS.  One group was provided with standard care, while the other three got an examination, and met or talked with clinicians who set up a routine of exercises , while emphasizing the importance of walking briskly every day in order to help their circulation.  Eighty-four percent of those in the group that met with clinicians reported that they felt much better, compared with twelve percent of the standard-care patients, thus proving with any doubt, that lack of exercise and inactivity could contribute to CFS.  Unfortunately, those that suffer from such a syndrome seem to be under the impression that exercise might, in fact, perpetuate their problem.

Those with CFS should contact local CFS support groups, by sending an SASE to CFIDS Association of America, P. O. Box 220398, Charlotte,  North Carolina 28222, or call 800-442-3437.

It is advisable that those suffering from this syndrome, should talk to their physician who, in turn, might refer them to a physical therapist, in order to get them moving with a few stretching exercises at the beginning, and gradually adding more exercises over a period of time.