Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post-Acute Sequelae of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 Infection

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) are complex clinical conditions sharing several symptoms hallmarked by post-exertional malaise (PEM). PEM is a severe exacerbation of symptoms after minor physical or mental exertion starting 6-24 hours after activity and can last for days or even weeks. Little is known about the relationship between PEM severity and fatigue, pain, function, and psychological measures. Our purpose was to compare two methods of collecting PEM data: (1) DePaul Symptom Questionnaire – PEM (DSQ-PEM) taken at baseline and (2) a sum score of different 0-10 scales measuring physical and mental fatigue, pain, function, and psychological constructs taken pre-exercise and 24hr post-exercise.
Source: The Journal of Pain - Category: Materials Science Authors: Source Type: research