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Physical function and psychosocial outcomes after a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Physical function and psychosocial outcomes after a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

Suzanne Broadbent, Sonja Coetzee, Angela Calder and Rosalind Beavers
European journal of applied physiology, Vol.125(9), pp.2515-2528
09/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-025-05759-5
PMID: 40186656
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract

ME/CFS Aquatic exercise Fibromyalgia Physical capacity Fatigue Depression
Purpose: A randomized-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise intervention on physical function, symptoms and psychosocial measures in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Methods: Thirty-two individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS (55.0 ± 13.9 yr) were randomized into an intervention group (INT, n = 17) or control group (CON, n = 15) for a 6-month trial of two 20-min sessions per week of self-paced aquatic movements and stretches. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes included physiological measures, 6-min walk test, hand-grip strength, Sit-to-Stand, Apley's shoulder test, Sit-Reach test, perceived exertion, fatigue (FACIT), anxiety/depression (HADS) questionnaires, and tiredness and pain scores (VAS 0-10 scale). Results: The INT group significantly increased walk test distance (13.7%, P < 0.001), Sit-to-Stand scores (33.7%, P < 0.001) and peak expiratory pulmonary flow (12.9%, P = 0.028) post-intervention. Fatigue (29.5%, P = 0.005), depression (21.7%, P = 0.010), combined anxiety/depression scores (16.9%, P = 0.047) and resting diastolic blood pressure (4.8%, P < 0.001) also significantly improved for the INT group. Sit-Reach scores were significantly lower for the INT group compared to CON post-intervention (- 4.0 ± 10.4 vs + 4.3 ± 10.7 cm, P = 0.034). There were no adverse events or worsening of symptoms during the trial. Conclusions: Self-paced, low-moderate-intensity aquatic exercise improved walk distance, lower limb strength, fatigue, depression and peak expiratory flow without worsening ME/CFS symptoms. This mode of low-intensity physical activity may confer mental health and physical benefits provided the activity is self-paced and within patient energy limits. Trial Registration Number: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTRN12618001683224.

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