Anaerobic Threshold

Anaerobic Threshold: The physiological point during physical activity where the body transitions from aerobic to anaerobic energy production.
Lactate Accumulation: This transition is marked by a rapid accumulation of lactate in the blood, leading to quick fatigue.

Lower Threshold: Individuals with ME-CFS generally have a lower anaerobic threshold compared to healthy individuals.
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): Reaching or exceeding the anaerobic threshold can trigger PEM, characterized by symptoms such as rapid fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive difficulties.

Identifying the Threshold: Understanding one's anaerobic threshold is crucial in managing ME/CFS effectively.
Heart Rate Monitors: Individuals might use these devices to track their heart rates during various activities, helping to identify the level of exertion at which they switch to anaerobic metabolism.

Personalized Plans: Healthcare professionals may develop individualized exercise or physical therapy plans based on a person's anaerobic threshold.
Gradual Increase: The goal is to help individuals gradually increase their anaerobic threshold over time, enhancing their physical activity capacity without triggering PEM.

CPET: Cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) are used in research to identify the anaerobic threshold in ME/CFS patients, measuring variables such as oxygen consumption (VO2) during exercise.
Future Therapies: Understanding the anaerobic threshold can guide the development of future therapeutic strategies for ME/CFS.

Critical Physiological Point: The anaerobic threshold is a vital physiological transition point during physical activity for individuals with ME/CFS.
Managing PEM: Proper management of activities based on the anaerobic threshold can potentially reduce the onset of PEM, improving the quality of life for ME/CFS patients.
Research Potential: This area holds potential for research and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies for managing ME/CFS.