Investigation into Post-Exertional Malaise
Between Historical and Recent ME/CFS

The hallmark symptom of ME/CFS is the flu-like worsening of symptoms after physical, mental, or emotional exertion. This is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Dysfunction of the mitochondria has demonstrated decreased ability to use oxygen during exercise and possible interference in energy production. The researchers will investigate mitochondrial dysfunction during PEM in a biopsy of the vastus lateralis, one of the four major muscles in the anterior thigh. The impact of PEM on ventilatory and pulmonary gas exchange measures will also be assessed.

Specifically, the team will look at changes in how the patients utilize oxygen, their achieved workload, and how efficiently they respired at peak exercise and at the ventilatory threshold. (The ventilatory threshold is also known as the point at which the body becomes more dependent on acquiring energy from mechanisms not involving oxygen.)

With this data, the researchers will compare measures within and between groups to demonstrate the effect of PEM in ME/CFS patients due to exertion.