Exercise Pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: More in Common Than Not?

• Published in: Chest Vol. 164; no. 3; pp. 717 - 726
• Main Authors: Joseph, Phillip, Singh, Inderjit, Oliveira, Rudolf, Capone, Christine A, Mullen, Mary P, Cook, Dane B, Stovall, Mary Catherine, Squires, Johanna, Madsen, Kristine, Waxman, Aaron B, Systrom, David M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2023
• Subjects: COVID-19; Exercise - physiology; Exercise Test; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic - etiology; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; CPET; PASC; neurovascular dysregulation; hyperventilation; ME/CFS
• ISSN: 1931-3543
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.03.049

Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a long-term consequence of acute infection from COVID-19. Clinical overlap between PASC and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been observed, with shared symptoms including intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance. The mechanistic underpinnings of such symptoms are poorly understood. Early studies suggest deconditioning as the primary explanation for exertional intolerance in PASC. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing reveals perturbations related to systemic blood flow and ventilatory control associated with acute exercise intolerance in PASC, which are not typical of simple detraining. Hemodynamic and gas exchange derangements in PASC have substantial overlap with those observed with ME/CFS, suggestive of shared mechanisms. This review illustrates exercise pathophysiologic commonalities between PASC and ME/CFS that will help guide future diagnostics and treatment.