Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›ME/CFS›Workload at anaerobic threshold

Workload at anaerobic threshold in ME/CFS

Workload at anaerobic threshold, also described as CPET parameter, belongs to the functional group of ME/CFS (ME/CFS, CFS) markers and is reported to be decreased relative to healthy controls. Clinically, it has been associated with reduced exercise capacity. This entry summarises Holden et al. 2020. Group-level associations like this do not translate into an individual diagnostic cut-off.

↓ ReducedFunctional

Summary

Direction in ME/CFS↓ Reduced — lower than in the comparison group
CategoryFunctional
Also described asCPET parameter
Compared againstHC (healthy controls)
Associated symptomsReduced exercise capacity
Test typeClinical or physiological test
SourceHolden et al. 2020 — doi:10.1186/s12967-020-02477-4
Condition atlasME/CFS Biomarker Atlas

Related Functional markers in ME/CFS

Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Workload at anaerobic threshold high or low in ME/CFS?

Reduced. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report lower Workload at anaerobic threshold in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Holden et al. 2020.

What symptoms is Workload at anaerobic threshold associated with in ME/CFS?

The cited literature associates this marker with Reduced exercise capacity. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.

Which test measures Workload at anaerobic threshold?

It is measured as a clinical or physiological test. Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.

Is one abnormal Workload at anaerobic threshold result diagnostic of ME/CFS?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. Workload at anaerobic threshold findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Workload at anaerobic threshold in ME/CFS: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/me-cfs/workload-at-anaerobic-threshold.html
Get OSMF research updates. New biomarker, trial and treatment evidence summaries by email.
Subscribe on Substack

Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.