Israel Medical Association Journal

Background: The term chronic multi-symptom illness refers to a spectrum of pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, that are characterized by unexplained chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive and mood complaints

Objectives: To examine the hypothesis that exercise cessation is associated with symptoms similar to CMI[1] in well-trained amateur athletes.

Methods: The study, conducted in running and triathlon clubs in Israel, involved 26 asymptomatic healthy athletes who regularly exercise 6.75 ± 3.65 hours a week. All athletes were instructed to refrain from physical activity for 7 days. All underwent a complete physical exam, rheumatological assessment including non-articular tenderness threshold (using dolorimeter) and tender points. In addition they completed the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Assessments were conducted before exercise cessation and 7 days later.

Results: Seven days after sports deprivation all subjects were significantly more tender by all tender measures (P < 0.001) (dolorimeter thresholds and tender point count). There was also a significant reduction in the scores for physical role function (P < 0.001), emotional role function (P < 0.001) and summary subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire after exercise cessation.

Conclusions: Exercise deprivation is associated with change in non-articular tenderness threshold and reduction in quality of life scores. This may be associated with the development of chronic multi-symptom illness.

Background: Rehabilitation camps can improve exercise tolerance and nutrition in cystic fibrosis patients.

Objectives: To assess weight gain, pulmonary function tests and daily symptoms in European CF[1] patients attending a rehabilitation camp at the Dead Sea, Israel.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study assessing 94 CF patients who participated in winter camps held at the Dead Sea, Israel from 1997 to 2000. The camp program included daily physiotherapy, physical activities, and a high caloric diet. We assessed weight gain, pulmonary function tests, oxyhemoglobin saturation and daily symptoms before (pre), on departure (dep), and up to 3 months after the 3 week rehabilitation camp post). All data were analyzed by ANOVA for repetitive measurements. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Lung function tests and oxyhemoglobin saturation taken before, on departure and 3 months after camp were available for 35 patients. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (% predicted, average ± SD) improved by 8.2 ± 2.3% (pre, dep, post, P < 0.05). Oxyhemoglobin saturation mildly improved (1 ± 0.3%, pre, dep, post, P < 0.05). Forced vital capacity (% predicted) increased by 3.9 ± 1.2%, but was not significant (P = 0.19). Total body weight of 89 patients improved by 1.9 ± 0.9% during the camp time (P < 0.05, t-test), and in a group of 24 patients weight continuously increased up to 5.0 ± 1.7% at 3 months after the camp (P = 0.004, ANOVA).

Conclusions: In this attrition-limited retrospective study, European CF patients improved their pulmonary function and gained weight during and up to 3 months after a 3 week rehabilitation winter camp at the Dead Sea, Israel.