Home-based testing protocol to measure physiological responses to everyday activities in ME: A feasibility study.

Baker, Nicola ORCID: 0000-0002-4513-2889, Tyson, S, Leslie, K, Dawes, H, Bull, M and Hilliard, N (2023) Home-based testing protocol to measure physiological responses to everyday activities in ME: A feasibility study. Home-based testing protocol to measure physiological responses to everyday activities in ME: A feasibility study., 11 (2-4). pp. 142-156.

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Abstract

Background and objectives: Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) have shown altered physiological responses during maximum cardiopulmonary exercise testing. However, maximal testing is not representative of the everyday activities reported to cause or increase symptoms in ME, and is not accessible for those with severe or very severe illness. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based testing protocol to measure physiological responses in ME to everyday activity. Methods: Researchers attended participants’ homes to collect data and provide equipment for independent testing. Adults with ME who met the International Consensus Criteria wore a portable metabolic assessment system and a physiological stress monitor. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and lactic acid were assessed during a range of everyday positions and activities in their own homes. Results: Online recruitment yielded 70 volunteers in 24 h. 17 eligible individuals reflecting a range of illness severities were enrolled. All participants found the procedures acceptable with 12 (70%) subjects completing every listed activity. Apparent physiological abnormalities were identified in all participants. Conclusion: Physiological measurement during everyday activities was feasible for our participants who represented a range of ME severities. Activities must be adapted for different levels of severity to avoid significant symptom exacerbation. Further research is needed to develop home-based assessment protocols to advance the biobehavioral understanding of ME. Trial registration number: ISRCTN78379409.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, physiological testing, CPET, >
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health > School of Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2023 10:38
Last Modified:	16 Nov 2023 09:21
DOI:	10.1080/21641846.2023.2245584
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1080/21641846.2023.2245584
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3172293