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

• DOI: 10.1007/s00421-025-05759-5
• Publication Date: 2025-04-06T00:12:18Z
• Authors: Suzanne Broadbent; Sonja Coetzee; Angela Calder; Rosalind Beavers

Abstract

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.