ME/CFS and pacing with a heart rate monitor (HRM)
Heart rate monitoring (HRM) provides direct and instant biofeedback that increases symptom awareness. If a person with ME/CFS can learn to link heart rate with symptoms during and after exertion, the results can significantly improve quality of life.
three simple steps to get you started:
Step 1: Identify your ventilatory or anaerobic threshold (V/AT)
Two ways:
* 2-day CPET
* Resting heart rate (RHR) method
Step 2: Tie activities to perceived exertion
The goal with pacing is simple: try to stay below the heart rate at the V/AT. Avoid spending time above the V/AT for more than two minutes if possible.
Remember that cognitive activities and tasks use aerobic energy production and may need modification to avoid crashes.
Step 3: Keep an activity and symptom log
Put it to the test. Implementing a pacing/energy conservation program should reduce symptoms of PEM. If not, pay attention to time spent above the V/AT and activity levels, including cognitive tasks. If you are still experiencing a push-crash cycle with PEM, the V/AT you are using may be too high, or your crashes are related to cognitive exertion or orthostatic stress.
While pacing with an HRM is not a treatment for ME/CFS, activity management is a helpful tool for avoiding symptom exacerbation and minimizing PEM.
Read the entire blog of the Workwell Foundation here
The ME Global Chronicle 