Exercise shown to effectively reduce chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms

A new study found that various treatment options may be safe and effective for treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

The study explained that exercise and various behavioral therapies, when used properly with medical care, may not only be safe, but also very effective at treating various CFS symptoms.

The study was published in The Lancet online.

Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include extreme pain, excessive fatigue, trouble concentrating, and similar symptoms which may occur for at least six months. Experts are not currently sure about the exact causes of the syndrome and what is the best case of treatment.

For the study, 640 individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome received treatment both medically and knowledge-based about the condition. Some individuals also received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise therapy, or pacing therapies.

Researchers found individuals who received medical care in conjunction with physical exercise therapy noticed greater symptom improvements when compared to individuals who received other types of therapy.

Experts explain additional studies need to be conducted, but the results from this preliminary study show that exercise therapy, when performed properly, may effectively improve chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.