Pacing with a heart rate monitor
Theory[edit | edit source]
People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis have dysfunctional mitochondria[citation needed]. This limits their ability to generate cellular energy. Doing activities that exceed available energy, usually triggers a flood of cytokines, and other negative affects, known as post exertional malaise (PEM).[citation needed]
Some researchers believe that each time PEM is triggered, it is reactivating the disease process of ME.[citation needed]
Using a heart rate monitor, to measure heart rate, heart rate variability, and other factors, allows people with ME to observe their energy usage, and learn how to stay within their safe limits.[citation needed]
This pacing method is often used in conjunction with other treatments (electrolyte loading, pharmaceuticals to assist blood volume & cardiovascular function, extreme resting and meditation, etc).[citation needed]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Anecdotally, some people experience gradual improvements in their health, with occasional setbacks due to over-exertion, infections & immune reactivity.[citation needed]
Clinicians[edit | edit source]
Risks and Safety[edit | edit source]
Costs and Availability[edit | edit source]
Notable studies[edit | edit source]
Examples[edit | edit source]
Learn more[edit | edit source]
- Workwell Foundation - Videos
- Workwell Foundation - Presentations & Publications
- Leela Play - Intro to pacing using a heart rate monitor for ME patients
- CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help - Pacing by Numbers: Using Your Heart Rate To Stay Inside the Energy Envelope
- Sally Burch 'Just ME' blog - Starting Heart Rate Monitoring for ME
- Health Rising - Heart Rate Monitor Based Exercise Program Improves Heart Functioning in ME/CFS
- Sue Jackson 'Living with ME/cfs' blog - Heart Rate and post-exertional crashes
- Clark Ellis 'Autodidact' blog - Which heart rate monitor for ME/CFS?
See also[edit | edit source]
- Activity management based on 2-day cardiopulmonary exercise testing results
- Energy Envelope Theory
- Pacing