SuspendedNot Applicable

Is Swimming a More Tolerable Form of Movement for Individuals With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Stopped: The research ethics board suspended the study to investigate a complaint from a community member who is not enrolled in the study. This community member is worried about exercise in this population.There have been no complaints from participants.

Canada50 participantsStarted 2026-02-20

Plain-language summary

Individuals with ME/CFS experience profound exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise. This remote (app-based) pilot study explores whether light, fully self-paced, swimming may be a tolerable form of movement for people with ME/CFS and related conditions, due to the distinct physiological effects of water immersion. The horizontal posture and hydrostatic pressure of water supports venous return and reduces orthostatic stress, while cool water exposure may influence autonomic and inflammatory responses. We are recruiting adults with mild-to-moderate ME/CFS and related conditions for this study examining short-term symptom and autonomic responses to gentle swimming. Participants will choose their own intensity and duration and may stop at any time. A light cycling session is available as an optional comparator for those who feel comfortable doing so. \[Note: this is not an exercise training or rehabilitation study, and participation is only intended for individuals who can tolerate some gentle activity and can be in public spaces without triggering post-exertional malaise. You should be comfortable with swimming, but flotation or other assistive devices are welcome\]

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria For ME/CFS participants: * Be between the ages of 18-80 * Meet the criteria of (ME/CFS). The diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS according to the primary Canadian Consensus Criteria are: 1. Fatigue (significant physical and mental fatigue that is new onset, unexplained, persistent or recurrent, and substantially reduces activity level), 2. Post-exertional malaise and/or post-exertional fatigue (general feeling of discomfort, weakness and/or fatigue, and potentially worsening associated symptoms, following physical or mental exertion; slow recovery which is usually longer than 24 hours), 3. Sleep dysfunction (unrefreshing sleep or disturbances in sleep quantity or rhythm), and 4. Pain (significant degree of muscle and/or joint pain, and/or significant headaches of new type, pattern or severity). This may include individuals with (but not limited to) Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, Long-Covid 19, Overtraining Syndrome (OTS), and/or co-occurring Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Fibromyalgia, and/or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). * Experience some degree of post exertional malaise and have some degree of exercise intolerance upon physical exertion. * Must have been previously physically active and be able to swim * Must be considered moderate-to-mild CFS (not severe or very severe) with a FUNCAP27 score between 3.0-5.8. * Must be able to do some light physical activity and go to public places without causing post-exertional malaise. Exclusion …

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Symptoms

Timeframe: From enrollment until minimally three days post final exercise session (11~15 days total)

Heart Rate Variability

Timeframe: From enrollment until minimially three days after one or both exercise sessions (11~15 days total)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07454395

SponsorSimon Fraser University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-01

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