Muscle fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and its response to a manual therapeutic approach: A pilot study

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a manual treatment protocol for CFS/ME sufferers.MethodsIsometric testing and EMG of the knee extensor muscles were conducted alongside the Profile of Fatigue Related States questionnaire.Subjects9 patients suffering from CFS/ME, 9 age and gender-matched CFS/ME sufferers who were allowed to choose any treatment other than manual therapy and 9 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers were assessed at 0 and 12 months.ResultsSignificant increases in peak and impulse torque were found which corresponded to improvements in the Profile of Fatigue Related States questionnaire in the treatment group only, no other significant changes were found.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that post-exercise muscle function in CFS/ME is improved following specialised osteopathic intervention. The authors suggest the reduction of lymphatic drainage to be a possible aetiological factor in the observed muscle fatigue.