New published study: Pacing with a heart rate monitor
- PhysiosforME
- Oct 13, 2025
- 2 min read
We’re excited to report another of our research projects has been published.
"Pacing with a heart rate monitor for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID: a feasibility study"
This pilot was published in the journal Fatigue: Biomedicine, health & Behaviour in October 2025 and is available as an open access paper here.
Our survey from 2021 showed that some people with ME use pacing with a heart rate monitor (HRM) to minimize time spent above the anaerobic threshold; however, there is limited research on the feasibility and efficacy. You can read more about pacing with a HRM here.
The aim of this study was to establish the acceptability, adherence, outcomes, and adverse events associated with pacing with a heart rate monitor for a future definitive study. As this is a feasibility study, no conclusions can be drawn about the data itself; the outcome is whether this protocol is feasible.
Key points are:
The protocol (using home-based testing) was feasible with no adverse events.
Follow-up interviews identified 89% of participants were still using heart rate monitors after 8 weeks, and 66% after 6 months.
There was no significant drop in activity level after the introduction of heart rate monitors, which appears to contradict concerns that this method of pacing will cause people to become over cautious.
The study was led by Physio for ME’s Dr Nicola Clague-Baker with The University of Liverpool, the Facebook group “ME/CFS – Pacing with a Heart rate monitor #2”, Professor Todd Davenport, the Stockport ME support group and Harry Leeming, the CEO of Visible.
Thanks to the ME Association, the Stockport ME support group, Visible and the University of Liverpool for providing the funding for this study.
This project is one of many that was initiated by people with ME. We’re keen to support research, so do get in touch with us if you have a research idea of your own.
Fascinating study on pacing with a heart rate monitor for ME/CFS and Long COVID patients—it's reassuring to see such high adherence rates, with 89% still using HRMs after 8 weeks and 66% at 6 months, without any adverse events or activity drops. As someone juggling chronic health management alongside academic demands in London, this research hits home, validating wearable tech as a practical tool to avoid post-exertional malaise while staying active. It's a game-changer for maintaining balance without over-caution. If you're exploring HR monitoring deeper for studies or personal use, services offering Help with HR Assignment can break down the science into actionable insights, much like this feasible protocol led by Dr. Nicola Clague-Baker. Grateful for Physios for ME sharing…
Great feasibility study! Using HRMs for pacing shows promise with high adherence and no adverse events. Exciting research! https://onlineGames.today
Great feasibility study on pacing with HRM! High adherence & no adverse events. Exciting future research potential. https://pick-up-sticks.com
Great feasibility study on pacing with HRMs for ME/CFS & long COVID, showing high adherence & no adverse events! https://laughingEmoji.net
Great feasibility study on pacing with HRM for ME/CFS & long COVID, showing high adherence & no adverse events! https://OppositeDay2.com