Eyskens, Jan B, Illegems, Jela, De Nil, Luc et al. · Journal of bodywork and movement therapies · 2019 · DOI
This study tested whether two simple physical tests could help diagnose ME/CFS and match how tired patients feel. Researchers had 27 women with ME/CFS do a standing endurance test and a balance-while-thinking test, then compared the results to questionnaires about fatigue and daily functioning. Only the standing test correlated with how patients rated their physical abilities.
ME/CFS currently lacks validated biomarkers or diagnostic tests, making diagnosis difficult and subjective. This study explores whether simple physical tests could provide objective evidence to support diagnosis and track disease progression or treatment effects, potentially improving clinical assessment and research precision.
This study does not establish causation or whether these tests are accurate for diagnosing ME/CFS in diverse populations. The lack of correlation between most measures and the small, female-only sample means these findings may not apply to all ME/CFS patients, and a single correlation does not validate TLS as a standalone diagnostic tool.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
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