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Q J Med 2002; 95: 99-105
© 2002 Association of Physicians

Physical activity and exercise performance in symptomatic Cambodia veterans

M. De Vries1,, P.M.M.B. Soetekouw2, J.W.M. Van Der Meer2, H. Folgering3 and G. Bleijenberg1

1 From the Departments of Medical Psychology and 2 General Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre St Radboud, Amsterdam, and 3 University Pulmonary Centre Dekkerswald, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Received 5 July 2001 and in revised form 4 November 2001

Background: Dutch (ex-)servicemen who encounter health problems since return from the 1992–3 peace operation UNTAC, commonly complain of reduced activity levels, decreases in physical fitness and aggravation of symptoms after strenuous exercise.

Aim: To evaluate these symptoms.

Design: A prospective study of 26 symptomatic Cambodia veterans and 26 matched controls (healthy Cambodia veterans).

Methods: Using an actometer and diaries, both groups were followed for a 12-day baseline period prior to an incremental maximal exercise test on a bicycle ergometer, followed by 7 days of post-ergometer data.

Results: During baseline, symptomatic Cambodia veterans reported more symptoms, had lower levels of physical activity and took longer periods of rest after high activity periods. Symptomatic veterans did not perceive the exercise test needing more exertion than healthy veterans did, although their physical fitness was decreased. Post-ergometer, daily observed symptoms did not aggravate in symptomatic veterans. Four days post-ergometer, actometer and daily observed activity scores were lowered in both groups. As compared to baseline, one day post-ergometer, levels of physical activity were changed in healthy veterans, but not in controls.

Discussion: Complaints about reduced activity levels and decreases in physical fitness in symptomatic Cambodia veterans were confirmed. Post-exertion malaise was not found. The observed post-exertion effects were traced back to weekday patterns.

Address correspondence to M. de Vries, MA, University Medical Centre St Radboud, Department of Medical Psychology, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e-mail: sweer015{at}wxs.nl


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