Cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in female chronic fatigue syndrome patients affect the psychological health of their partners

• Published in: Journal of exercise physiology online Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 1 - 16
• Main Authors: Blazquez, A, Guillamo, E, Alegre, J, Ventura, J.L, Barbany, J.R, Javierre, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Exercise Physiologists 01.04.2011
• Subjects: Chronic fatigue syndrome; Exercise; Female-male relations; Health aspects; Physiological aspects; Psychological aspects
• ISSN: 1097-9751; 1097-9751

Blazquez A, Guillamo E, Alegre J, Ventura JL, Barbany JR, Javierre C. Cardiorespiratory Responses to Exercise in Female Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients Affect the Psychological Health of Their Partners. JEPonline 2011; 14(2):1-16. Little has been reported regarding the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) on the partner. The purpose of this study was to determine and quantify the existence of a relationship between the patient's functional capacity and psychological aspects of the partner. The sample consisted of 32 female CFS patients and their partners. Psychological well-being of the partners was assessed by administering the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Interpersonal Reactivity Inventory (IRI). Patients were tested on a precalibrated cycle ergometer following a progressive test to exhaustion. After a multiple regression analysis, the 'perspective taking' subscale (on the IRI) was closely related to values obtained during the physical test (r = 0.95, p < 0.05). There was a good agreement between observed and calculated theoretical results. The results of partners on the DAS were also related to scores obtained by patients on the physical test (r = 0.813, p < 0.05). The female CFS patients' functional capacity, cardiovascular, and ventilatory responses to exercise appear to have a direct correlation with the psychological well-being of the partner. Key Words: Women, Psychological Health, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome