50 likes | 184 Views
Association between cognitive performance, physical fitness, and physical activity level in women with chronic fatigue syndrome.
E N D
Association between cognitive performance, physical fitness, and physical activity level in women with chronic fatigue syndrome Kelly Ickmans, PT, MSc; Peter Clarys, PE, BR Sc, PhD; Jo Nijs, PT, PhD; Mira Meeus, PT, PhD; Dirk Aerenhouts, PE, PhD; Evert Zinzen, PE, PT, PhD; Senne Aelbrecht, PE; Geert Meersdom, MN; Luc Lambrecht, MD, PhD; Nathalie Pattyn, MD, PhD
Aim • Examine whether cognitive performance, physical fitness, and physical activity level (PAL) are associated in female patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). • Relevance • Physical activity may be directly related to cognitive performance in CFS patients but this relationship has not been previously examined.
Method • Participants (31 female CFS patients and 13 healthy inactive female controls) wore an activity monitor for 72 h and performed: • 3 cognitive tests (Stroop, psychomotor vigilance task, operation span task). • Maximal handgrip strength test. • Bicycle ergometer test.
Results • CFS patients: • Lower peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate associated with slower psychomotor speed. • Maximal handgrip strength correlated with working memory performance. • Lower choice and simple reaction time.
Conclusion • Physical fitness, but not PAL, is associated with cognitive performance in female CFS patients.