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.
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
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I read the post about the new feasibility study on pacing with a heart rate monitor for people with ME and long COVID, and it made me think about how pacing feels in real life. I remember once when I had to take my online algebra class and had to watch my energy, so I took small breaks and used a timer to keep myself from getting too tired. The study says using a heart rate monitor was doable, and most people kept using it after weeks of trying, which sounds like a good way to slowly learn your limits and stay thoughtful about activity.
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