Increasing activity and physical exercise may help ease the symptoms of fatigue in some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), improving their quality of life and ability to function, according to a new federal report.

However, the type of exercise did not seem to matter, according to the report, released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which indicated that one type of exercise wasn't better than another.

Researchers also found either insufficient or inconclusive evidence to draw any conclusions about other treatments for the condition. (Patients with CFS sometimes are treated with immune therapy, corticosteroids, antidepressants and other pharmacological agents or supplements, and complementary therapies.)

The report was conducted for AHRQ by the San Antonio Evidence-based Practice Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Veterans Evidence-based Research, Dissemination, and Implementation Center (VERDICT). A summary of the report is available through AHRQ's Web site at www.ahrq.gov/clinic/cfssum.htm and from the National Guideline Clearinghouse at www.guideline.gov (select NGC Resources).