People with Long Covid and ME/CFS Exhibit Similarly Impaired Balance and Physical Capacity: A Case-Case-Control Study 2023, Hayes et al

[Sly Saint]

Abstract
Purpose
Postural sway and physical capacity had not previously been compared between people with long COVID and people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore, this study determined postural sway and physical capacity in people with long COVID (∼16 month illness duration; n=21) and ME/CFS (∼16 year illness duration; n=20), versus age-matched healthy controls (n=20).
Methods
Postural sway was during a 30 s static stand test. Physical capacity was determined using the timed up and go test and five times sit to stand test. Throughout, participants wore isoinertial measurement units.
Results
Postural sway was worse (i.e. greater) in people with long COVID and ME/CFS than controls, but not different between long COVID and ME/CFS. Performance of the timed up and go test and five times sit to stand test were worse in long COVID and ME/CFS than controls, but not different between long COVID and ME/CFS. 87% and 13% of long COVID and ME/CFS participants exceeded the threshold for muscle weakness in the five times sit to stand test and timed up and go test, respectively.
Conclusions
These data suggest that both people with long COVID and people with ME/CFS have similarly impaired balance and physical capacity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to target postural sway and physical capacity in people with ME/CFS, and given the current pandemic, people with long COVID.

https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(23)00465-5/fulltext

 

[Trish]

Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to target postural sway and physical capacity in people with ME/CFS, and given the current pandemic, people with long COVID.

Sounds ominous. GET anybody?

If anyone has access to the full article - does is suggest what interventions they are recommending?

 

[Grigor]

Sounds ominous. GET anybody?

If anyone has access to the full article - does is suggest what interventions they are recommending?

Just skimming the references a bit it looks like they're referring to the old but also new NICE guidelines and also an article by the ME Association that's critical of CBT/GET. I hope these are good signs?

 

[Ebb Tide]

Given the correspondence addresses of the authors and one author's name this looks like it may be the same team.

https://www.s4me.info/threads/using...c-randomised-control-trial.24443/#post-404505

 

[SNT Gatchaman]

If anyone has access to the full article - does is suggest what interventions they are recommending?

They don't recommend anything specific.

In conclusion, findings of this study have important implications for the diagnosis and management of people with long COVID and ME/CFS. People with long COVID have physical capacity and postural sway similar to people with ME/CFS, despite having the post-viral illness for a mean of only 16 months, rather than 16 years (as in the ME/CFS participants). This impaired postural control and physical capacity in people with long COVID may contribute to their fatigue and disability, and it is important to identify and address these issues in order to improve their quality of life.

Furthermore, as we are at the start of the long COVID pandemic, there is a real concern these physical capacity decrements may worsen over the next few years, having serious implications for the individual, their familial and social network, and worldwide economies. Patient groups often report a tension between their view that their physical symptoms are their primary concern and clinical services, which may focus on psycho-social factors. The present study's findings support the now overwhelming evidence that ME/CFS and long COVID have real, physiological symptoms that impact health and well-being and need to be directly addressed. Future research should focus on identifying the mechanisms underlying long COVID and ME/CFS and on developing interventions to improve outcomes.

 

[Ebb Tide]

Interventions for balance (which happen for patients with stroke, head injury, other neuro, frail elderly for falls prevention etc.) would not be focused on increasing duration of aerobic activity.
Activities to work on balance, usually start with more stable positions and the level of support needed and then gradually increase the level of challenge, eg reducing support, reaching outside the base of support, if possible for the patient. Safety would be a major feature.

There would likely be some targeted strengthening of specific muscle groups. Workwell does use some strengthening techniques starting with low number of repetitions/resistance and longer rests between contractions with certain patients.