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The question of whether people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), should engage in physical exercise remains a subject of intense discussion in the medical community. Recent studies confirm that while carefully managed exercise can benefit some individuals living with CFS, an overly aggressive or poorly supervised approach risks worsening symptoms—a dilemma with high relevance for patients and clinicians in Thailand and worldwide.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating condition characterised by overwhelming fatigue that does not improve with rest and is often accompanied by cognitive issues, sleep disturbances, pain, and the hallmark symptom known as post-exertional malaise (PEM), where physical or mental activity provokes a sharp worsening in symptoms, sometimes days after the exertion. According to recent overviews, including the extensive summary on Wikipedia, CFS affects millions globally and is increasingly recognised as a sequela of post-viral illnesses, including long COVID, making up-to-date recommendations especially timely.

New research shows that exercise can help some people with chronic fatigue syndrome, but it must be careful and personalized. In Thailand, where awareness of CFS is still growing, these findings emphasize the need for careful medical guidance to avoid worsening symptoms.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, causes profound fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. It often comes with cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, pain, and post-exertional malaise, where activity triggers a later worsening of symptoms. Global data indicate millions are affected, and CFS is increasingly linked to post-viral illnesses such as long COVID. This makes updated guidance especially timely for Thai patients and clinicians.