While it seems logical that they would, the answer is no. That's because of the key chronic fatigue syndrome symptom: postexertional malaise.
After exercising, postexertional malaise is an intensifying fatigue that heightens other symptoms in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Exertion actually makes chronic fatigue sufferers feel worse and have less energy.
Some evidence, however, shows that lack of exercise can lead to greater weakness in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. By starting with short, low-intensity workouts (called "graded" exercise), some people with this syndrome can gradually increase their exercise tolerance, improve their overall health and keep muscles from deteriorating. Even so, they will always have to be careful to pace themselves in order to avoid a debilitating crash.
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