Table 1 In- and exclusion criteria

(1) diagnosis of PPS according to the criteria of March of Dimes [1]

(2) severe perceived fatigue (CIS-fatigue > = 35) [47]

(3) age between 18 and 75 years

(4) life-expectancy longer than one year

(5) walking-ability at least indoors with or without a walking aid

(6) ability to cycle on a cycle ergometer against a load of at least 25 Watt

Exclusion criteria

(1) use of psychotropic drugs or other psychiatric treatment

(2) clinical depression (BDI-PC > 6) [48]

(3) disabling co-morbidity interfering with the intervention programs or influencing outcome

parameters (including cardiopulmonary disease, epileptic seizures, poorly regulated diabetes mellitus)

(4) respiratory insufficiency (FVC < 50%pred or CO₂ retention) or assisted ventilation

(5) cognitive impairment

(6) insufficient mastery of the Dutch language

(7) pregnancy