[Editor’s Note: The dropout rate for this study was 50%. After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, none the results achieved statistical significance.]
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Cognitive function disturbance is a frequently described symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In this study, the effects of a structured exercise programme (SEP) upon cognitive function in ME/CFS patients was examined.
METHODS: Out of the 53 ME/CFS patients initiating SEP 34 (64%) completed the 16 week programme. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery test consisting of a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) (repeated three times) and Choice Reaction Time (CRT) measurements, a Visual Attention Test (VAT) and a Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) assessment.
RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was noted in the third attempt to SRT in reaction time for correct answers, p = 0.045, r = 0.24. Moreover, significant improvement was noted in VAT reaction time, number of correct answers and errors committed, p = 0.02, omega = 0.03, p = 0.007, r = 0.34 and p = 0.004, r = 0.35, respectively. Non-significant changes were noted in other cognitive tests.
CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of participants were unwilling or unable to complete the exercise programme. ME/CFS patients able to complete the SEP showed improved visual attention both in terms of reaction time and correctness of responses and processing speed of simple visual stimuli.
Source: Zalewski P1, Kujawski S1, Tudorowska M2, Morten K3, Tafil-Klawe M4, Klawe JJ1, Strong J3, Estévez-López F5, Murovska M6, Newton JL7, The European Network On Me/Cfs Euromene. The Impact of a Structured Exercise Programme upon Cognitive Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. Brain Sci. 2019 Dec 19;10(1). pii: E4. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10010004. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/10/1/4 (Full study)