Tag: fatigue

Hyperbaric Therapy in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine if hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) could be used as adjunctive therapy and if HBOT could increase the quality of life in such a way that the functional status would improve in patients with an infection. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 15 Mycoplasma sp. infected CFS (CDC 1994) patients and 14 CFS (CDC 1994) patients with no evidence of a Mycoplasma infection were enrolled in a convenience randomization sample from our referral clinic. No statistical differences were found by use of univariate repeated measures although Bodily Pain as measured by the SF-36 seems to decrease after hyperbaric therapy (Greenhouse-Geisser: p = .010). Trends were found using paired t-testing for Mycoplasma infected CFS patients.

The general perceived fatigue seemed to decrease after hyperbaric therapy (General Fatigue: p = .06). Directly after one week of hyperbaric therapy general fatigue improved (p = .03) but there was a reduction of activity (reduced activity: p = .05) and general perceived health (general health: p = .04). One month later the physical role increased (Role-Physical: p = .07).

Although more data is required to make firm conclusions, trends were found. Reduced fatigue, increased levels of activity and an improved reaction time improved significantly their quality of life and therefore, enhanced also their functional status and thus could be used as an adjunctive therapy.

Source: Elke Van Hoof, Danny Coomans, Pascale De Becker, Romain Meeusen, Raymond Cluydts & Kenny De Meirleir (2003) Hyperbaric Therapy in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 11:3, 37-49, DOI: 10.1300/J092v11n03_04

Combination of whole-body cryotherapy with static stretching exercises reduces fatigue and improves functioning of the autonomic nervous system in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract:

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the tolerability and effect of static stretching (SS) and whole body cryotherapy (WBC) upon fatigue, daytime sleepiness, cognitive functioning and objective and subjective autonomic nervous system functioning in those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) compared to a control population.

Methods: Thirty-two CFS and eighteen healthy controls (HC) participated in 2 weeks of a SS + WBC programme. This programme was composed of five sessions per week, 10 sessions in total.

Results: A significant decrease in fatigue was noted in the CFS group in response to SS + WBC. Some domains of cognitive functioning (speed of processing visual information and set-shifting) also improved in response to SS + WBC in both CFS and HC groups. Our study has confirmed that WBC is well tolerated by those with CFS and leads to symptomatic improvements associated with changes in cardiovascular and autonomic function.

Conclusions: Given the preliminary data showing the beneficial effect of cryotherapy, its relative ease of application, good tolerability, and proven safety, therapy with cold exposure appears to be an approach worth attention. Further studies of cryotherapy as a potential treatment in CFS is important in the light of the lack of effective therapeutic options for these common and often disabling symptoms.

Source: Kujawski S, Słomko J, Godlewska BR, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A, Murovska M, Newton JL, Sokołowski Ł, Zalewski P. Combination of whole body cryotherapy with static stretching exercises reduces fatigue and improves functioning of the autonomic nervous system in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Transl Med. 2022 Jun 17;20(1):273. doi: 10.1186/s12967-022-03460-1. PMID: 35715857; PMCID: PMC9204866.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9204866/ (Full text)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post-COVID Syndrome: A Common Neuroimmune Ground?

Abstract:

A Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic disease of unknown aetiology under growing interest now in view of the increasingly recognized post-COVID syndrome as a new entity with similar clinical presentation.

We performed the first cross-sectional study of ME/CFS in community population in Russia and then described and compared some clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of ME/CFS and post-COVID syndrome as neuroimmune disorders.

Of the cohort of 76 individuals who suggested themselves suffering from ME/CFS 56 subsequently were confirmed as having CFS/ME according to ≥1 of the 4 most commonly used case definition.

Of the cohort of 14 individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome 14 met diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. The prevalence of clinically expressed and subclinical anxiety and depression in ME / CFS and post-COVID ME/CFS did not differ significantly from that in healthy individuals.

Severity of anxiety / depressive symptoms did not correlate with the severity of fatigue neigther in ME / CFS nor in post-COVID ME/CFS, but the positive correlation was found between the severity of fatigue and 20 other symptoms of ME / CFS related to the domains of “post-exertional exhaustion”, “immune dysfunction”, “sleep disturbances”, “dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system”, “neurological sensory / motor disorders” and “pain syndromes”.

Immunological abnormalities were identified in 12/12 patients with ME / CFS according to the results of laboratory testing.

The prevalence of postural orthostatic tachycardia assessed by the active standing test was 37.5% in ME / CFS and 75.0% in post-COVID ME/CFS (the latter was higher than in healthy controls, p = 0.02).  There was a more pronounced increase in heart rate starting from the 6th minute of the test in post-COVID ME/CFS compared with the control group.

Assessment of the functional characteristics of microcirculation by laser doppler flowmetry revealed obvious and very similar changes in ME/CFS and post-COVID ME/CFS compared to the healthy controls.  The identified pattern corresponded to the hyperemic form of microcirculation disorders, usually observed in acute inflammatory processes or in deficiency of systemic vasoconstriction influences.

Source: Ryabkova, V.A.; Gavrilova, N.Y.; Fedotkina, T.V.; Churilov, L.P.; Shoenfeld, Y. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post-COVID Syndrome: A Common Neuroimmune Ground?. Preprints 2022, 2022090289 (doi: 10.20944/preprints202209.0289.v1) https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202209.0289/v1 (Full study available as PDF file)

Fatigue in Covid-19 survivors: The potential impact of a nutritional supplement on muscle strength and function

Summary:

Background: Fatigue with reduced tolerance to exercise is a common persistent long-lasting feature amongst COVID-19 survivors. The assessment of muscle function in this category of patients is often neglected.

Aim: To evaluate the potential impact of a daily supplementation based on amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and plant extracts (Apportal®) on muscle function, body composition, laboratory parameters and self-rated health in a small group of COVID-19 survivors affected by fatigue.

Methods: Thirty participants were enrolled among patients affected by physical fatigue during or after acute COVID-19 and admitted to the post-COVID-19 outpatient service at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli in Rome between 1st March 2021 and 30th April 2021. All participants were evaluated at first visit (t0) and at control visit (t1), after taking a daily sachet of Apportal® for 28 days. Muscle function was analyzed using hand grip strength test, exhaustion strength time and the number of repetitions at one-minute chair stand test. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Laboratory parameters, including standard blood biochemistry and ferritin levels, were evaluated at the first visit and during the control visit. A quick evaluation of self-rated health, before COVID-19, at t0 and t1, was obtained through a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: Participants aged 60 years and older were 13 (43%). Females represented the 70% of the study sample. Participants hospitalized for COVID-19 with low-flow oxygen supplementation represented the 43.3% of the study sample while 3.3% received noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or invasive ventilation. Hand grip strength improved from 26.3 Kg to 28.9 Kg (p < 0.05) at t1 as compared to t0. The mean time of strength exhaustion increased from 31.7 s (sec) at t0 to 47.5 s at t1 (p < 0.05). Participants performed a higher number of repetitions (28.3 vs. 22.0; p < 0.05) during the one-minute chair stand test at t1 as compared to t0. A trend, although not significant, in reduction of ferritin levels was found after nutritional supplementation (94.4 vs. 84.3, respectively; p = 0.01). The self-rated health status increased by at least 13 points (t0, mean 57.6 ± 5.86; t1, mean 71.4 ± 6.73; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: After 28 days of nutritional supplementation with Apportal® in COVID-19 survivors affected by fatigue with reduced tolerance to exercise, we found a significant improvement in means of muscle strength and physical performance, associated with enhancement of self-rated health status between t0 and t1.

Source: Vincenzo Galluzzo, Maria Beatrice Zazzara, Francesca Ciciarello, Giulia Savera, Cristina Pais, Riccardo Calvani, Anna Picca, Emanuele Marzetti, Francesco Landi, Matteo Tosato, Steering Committee, Francesco Landi, Elisa Gremese, Coordination, Roberto Bernabei, Massimo Fantoni, Antonio Gasbarrini, Field investigators, Gastroenterology team, Serena Porcari, Carlo Romano Settanni, Geriatric team, Francesca Benvenuto, Giulia Bramato, Vincenzo Brandi, Angelo Carfì, Francesca Ciciarello, Sofia Fabrizi, Vincenzo Galluzzo, Maria Rita Lo Monaco, Anna Maria Martone, Emanuele Marzetti, Carmen Napolitano, Francesco Cosimo Pagano, Cristina Pais, Sara Rocchi, Elisabetta Rota, Andrea Salerno, Matteo Tosato, Marcello Tritto, Maria Beatrice Zazzara, Riccardo Calvani, Lucio Catalano, Anna Picca, Giulia Savera, Francesco Paolo Damiano, Alessandra Rocconi, Alessandro Galliani, Giovanni Spaziani, Salvatore Tupputi, Camilla Cocchi, Flavia Pirone, Federica D’Ignazio, Stefano Cacciatore, Infectious disease team, Roberto Cauda, Enrica Tamburrini, A. Borghetti, Simona Di Gianbenedetto, Rita Murri, Antonella Cingolani, Giulio Ventura, E. Taddei, D. Moschese, A. Ciccullo, A. Dusina, Internal Medicine team, Leonardo Stella, Giovanni Addolorato, Francesco Franceschi, Gertrude Mingrone, M.A. Zocco, Microbiology team, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Paola Cattani, Simona Marchetti, Brunella Posteraro, M. Sali, Neurology team, Alessandra Bizzarro, Alessandra Lauria, Ophthalmology team, Stanislao Rizzo, Maria Cristina Savastano, G. Gambini, G.M. Cozzupoli, C. Culiersi, Otolaryngology team, Giulio Cesare Passali, Gaetano Paludetti, Jacopo Galli, F. Crudo, G. Di Cintio, Y. Longobardi, L. Tricarico, M. Santantonio, Pediatric team, Danilo Buonsenso, P. Valentini, D. Pata, D. Sinatti, C. De Rose, Pneumology team, Luca Richeldi, Francesco Lombardi, A. Calabrese, Paolo Maria Leone, Maria Rosaria Calvello, Enrica Intini, Giuliano Montemurro, Psychiatric team, Gabriele Sani, Delfina Janiri, Alessio Simonetti, G. Giuseppin, M. Molinaro, M. odica, Radiology team, Luigi Natale, Anna Rita Larici, Riccardo Marano, Rheumatology team, Annamaria Paglionico, Luca Petricca, Luca Gigante, G. Natalello, A.L. Fedele, M.M. Lizzio, B. Tolusso, Clara Di Mario, S. Alivernini, Vascular team, Angelo Santoliquido, Luca Santoro, Angela Di Giorgio, Antonio Nesci, V. Popolla, Fatigue in Covid-19 survivors: The potential impact of a nutritional supplement on muscle strength and function, Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 2022, ISSN 2405-4577, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.08.029. (Full text)

The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications

Abstract:

Ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I-R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID.

Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities.

Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.

Source: Kell DB, Pretorius E. The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biochem J. 2022 Aug 31;479(16):1653-1708. doi: 10.1042/BCJ20220154. PMID: 36043493. https://portlandpress.com/biochemj/article/479/16/1653/231696/The-potential-role-of-ischaemia-reperfusion-injury (Full text)

Severe fatigue as symptom of long COVID is characterized by increased expression of inflammatory genes in monocytes, increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased CD8+ T-lymphocytes. A putative dysregulation of the immune-brain axis, the coagulation process, and auto-inflammation to explain the diversity of long COVID symptoms

Abstract:

Background. A significant proportion of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection develops long COVID with fatigue as one of the most disabling symptoms. We performed clinical and immunologic profiling of fatigued and non-fatigued long COVID patients and age and gender matched healthy controls (HCs).

Methods. We included 37 long COVID patients with and 36 without severe fatigue and assessed inflammation-related monocyte gene expression, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, and leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets 3-6 months after hospital discharge, and followed clinical symptoms up to one year.

Results. Long COVID with fatigue represented a severe variant with many symptoms (median 9 [IQR 5.0-10.0] symptoms) and signs of cognitive failure (41%) and depression (>24%). Symptoms persisted up to one year follow-up. Fatigued patients showed increased expression of inflammatory genes in monocytes, increased serum IL-6, TNF-α, galectin-9, and CXCL10, and increased CD8+ T-lymphocytes compared to HCs. Non-fatigued long COVID patients were arbitrarily divided in those with moderately severe disease (4 [2.5-5.0] symptoms, primarily impaired fitness, n=25) and those with mild disease (1 [1.0-2.0] symptom, n=11). Symptoms in non-fatigued long COVID patients persisted up to one year follow-up. Moderately severe patients showed reduced CD45RO- naive CD4+ T-lymphocytes and CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory CD4+ T-lymphocytes and limited monocyte and serum (galectin-9) inflammation. Mild patients showed monocyte and serum (IL-6, galectin-9) inflammation and decreased CD4+ T-lymphocyte subsets (T-helper 1 cells).

Conclusion. Long COVID with fatigue is associated with many concurrent and persistent symptoms up to one year after hospitalization and with clear signs of low grade inflammation and increased CD8+ T-lymphocytes. We showed that long COVID is a clinical and immunologic heterogeneous disorder. Diagnostic tools and personalized therapies combatting the diverse immune abnormalities might be required to alleviate the persisting disabling complaints of the patients.

Source: Julia C Berentschot, Hemmo A Drexhage, Daniel A Aynekulu Mersha, Annemarie JM Wijkhuijs, Corine H GeurtsvanKessel, Marion PG Koopmans, Jolanda Voermans, Majanka H Heijenbrok-Kal, L. Martine Bek, Gerard M Ribbers, Rita JG van den Berg-Emons, Joachim GJV Aerts, Willem A Dik, Merel E Hellemons. Severe fatigue as symptom of long COVID is characterized by increased expression of inflammatory genes in monocytes, increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased CD8+ T-lymphocytes. A putative dysregulation of the immune-brain axis, the coagulation process, and auto-inflammation to explain the diversity of long COVID symptoms.  medRxiv 2022.09.15.22279970; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.15.22279970 (Full text available as PDF file)

Fatigue in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic sclerosis (SSc): similarities with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A critical review of the literature

Abstract:

Introduction: Persistent debilitating fatigue is a frequent complaint in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Fatigue is, however, frequently overlooked in the clinic, and patients who successfully achieve remission of their disease, often still have a lowered quality of life due to its persistence. How similar is this fatigue to Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), what is this fatigue associated with, and what tools/approaches (if any), have resulted in the improvement of fatigue in these patients is poorly defined.

Areas covered: Similarities between the pathophysiology of ME/CFS, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary systemic vasculitides (PSV) are discussed, followed by an in-depth review of the prevalence and correlates of fatigue in these diseases. The authors reviewed literature from MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Embase, and CINAHL.

Expert opinion: Persistent fatigue is a prominent feature in SARDs and may not be associated with components commonly associated with disease activity and/or progression. Immune and metabolic commonalities exist between ME/CFS, SSc, and PSVs – suggesting that common pathways inherent to the diseases and fatigue may be present. We suggest that patients with features of ME/CFS need to be identified by treating physicians, as they may require alternative approaches to therapy to improve their quality of life.

Source: van Eeden C, Osman MS, Cohen Tervaert JW. Fatigue in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic sclerosis (SSc): similarities with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A critical review of the literature. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2022 Aug 31:1-22. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2022.2116002. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36045606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36045606/

Effects of the Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method (Yan Nian Jiu Zhuan) Qigong on Brain Functional Changes in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Terms of Fatigue and Quality of Life

Abstract:

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by persistent fatigue, which often leads to physical and psychological damage. The Prolong Life with Nine Turn method (PLWNT) Qigong is considered as one of the complementary treatments for improving symptoms in patients with CFS. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the effects of PLWNT intervention on the subjects with CFS.

Methods: Thirty four CFS patients were randomly divided into PLWNT group and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group. Both groups were taught by a highly qualified professor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine once a week and were supervised online during the remaining 6 days at home, over 12 consecutive weeks. We calculated the regional rs-fMRI index amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) for all subjects. To study the changes of the brain network, we used the brain regions with significant differences in ALFF as the regions of interest for whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis. The Multi-dimensional Fatigue Inventory 20 (MFI-20) and Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36) were used for clinical symptom assessment to explore the possible correlation between the rs-fMRI indicators and clinical variations.

Results: The ALFF values of the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and left median cingulate gyrus (DCG) were increased, whereas those of the left middle occipital gyrus (OG), right middle OG and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were decreased in PLWNT group. The FC values between the DCG and middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and those between the left OG and the right OG were enhanced. In addition, the SF-36 were positively with the left OG (r = 0.524), SFG (r = 0.517), and DCG (r = 0.533), MFI-20 were negatively with the SFG (r = -0.542) and DCG (r = -0.578). These results were all corrected by FWE (voxel level p < 0.001, cluster level p < 0.05).

Conclusion: CFS patients have abnormal regional spontaneous neuronal activity and abnormal functional connections between regions after PLWNT intervention. PLWNT can relieve the fatigue symptoms of CFS patients and improve their quality of life. The study was registered in the American Clinical Trial Registry (12/04/2018). Registration Number is NCT03496961.

Source: Xie F, Guan C, Gu Y, You Y, Yao F. Effects of the Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method (Yan Nian Jiu Zhuan) Qigong on Brain Functional Changes in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Terms of Fatigue and Quality of Life. Front Neurol. 2022 Jul 13;13:866424. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.866424. PMID: 35911899; PMCID: PMC9326262. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9326262/ (Full text)

Use of 1-MNA to Improve Exercise Tolerance and Fatigue in Patients after COVID-19

Abstract:

COVID-19 is not only a short-term infection, as patients (pts) recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection complain of persisting symptoms, which may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. There is currently no evidence that nutritional supplements can assist in the recovery of pts with chronic fatigue syndrome. 1-Methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) is an endogenic substance that is produced in the liver when nicotinic acid is metabolized. 1-MNA demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties. Therefore, we investigated whether 1-MNA supplements could improve exercise tolerance and decrease fatigue among patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: The study population was composed of 50 pts who had recovered from symptomatic COVID-19. The selected pts were randomized into two groups: Gr 1 (NO-1-MNA)-without supplementation; Gr 2 (1-MNA) with 1-MNA supplementation. At the beginning of the study (Phase 0), in both groups, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was carried out and fatigue assessment was performed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Both FSS and 6MWT were repeated after 1 month.

Results: A significant improvement in the mean distance covered in the 6MWT was noted at follow-up in Gr 1-MNA, compared with Gr NO-1-MNA. We also noted that in Gr 1-MNA, the 6MWT distance was significantly higher after 1 month of supplementation with 1-MNA, compared with the beginning of the study (515.18 m in Phase 0 vs. 557.8 m in Phase 1; p = 0.000034). In Gr 1-MNA, significantly more pts improved their distance in the 6MWT (23 out of 25 pts, equal to 92%), by a mean of 47 m, compared with Gr NO-1-MNA (15 of 25 pts, equal to 60%) (p = 0.0061). After one month, significantly more patients in the group without 1-MNA had severe fatigue (FSS ≥ 4) compared with the group with supplementation (Gr 1-MNA = 5 pts (20%) vs. Gr NO-1-MNA = 14pts (56%); p = 0.008).

Conclusions: 1-MNA supplementation significantly improved physical performance in a 6-min walk test and reduced the percentage of patients with severe fatigue after COVID-19. The comprehensive action of 1-MNA, including anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects, may be beneficial for the recovery of patients with persistent symptoms of fatigue and low tolerance to exercise after COVID-19.

Source: Chudzik M, Burzyńska M, Kapusta J. Use of 1-MNA to Improve Exercise Tolerance and Fatigue in Patients after COVID-19. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 22;14(15):3004. doi: 10.3390/nu14153004. PMID: 35893858.  https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/15/3004/htm (Full text)

Orthostatic intolerance as a potential contributor to prolonged fatigue and inconsistent performance in elite swimmers

Abstract:

Background: Athletic underperformance is characterized by fatigue and an inability to sustain a consistent exercise workload. We describe five elite swimmers with prolonged fatigue and athletic underperformance. Based on our work in myalgic encephalomyelitis /chronic fatigue syndrome, we focused on orthostatic intolerance as a possible contributor to symptoms.

Methods: Participants were referred for evaluation of fatigue and underperformance to the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. All patients were evaluated for overtraining syndrome, as well as for features commonly seen in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. The latter included joint hypermobility, orthostatic intolerance, and non-IgE mediated milk protein intolerance. Orthostatic intolerance was tested by performing a ten-minute passive standing test or a head-up tilt table test.

Results: Orthostatic testing provoked fatigue and other symptoms in all five swimmers, two of whom met heart rate criteria for postural tachycardia syndrome. Treatment was individualized, primarily consisting of an increased intake of sodium chloride and fluids to address orthostasis. All patients experienced a relatively prompt improvement in fatigue and other orthostatic symptoms and were able to either return to their expected level of performance or improve their practice consistency.

Conclusions: Orthostatic intolerance was an easily measured and treatable contributor to athletic underperformance in the five elite swimmers we describe. We suggest that passive standing tests or formal tilt table tests be incorporated into the clinical evaluation of athletes with fatigue and underperformance as well as into scientific studies of this topic. Recognition and treatment of orthostatic intolerance provides a new avenue for improving outcomes in underperforming athletes.

Source: Petracek LS, Eastin EF, Rowe IR, Rowe PC. Orthostatic intolerance as a potential contributor to prolonged fatigue and inconsistent performance in elite swimmers. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022 Jul 23;14(1):139. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00529-8. PMID: 35870963. https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-022-00529-8 (Full text)