Exercise and brain training, according to scientists, may treat chronic Fatigue Syndrome, commonly known as ME. They say other methods used to combat ME are less successful.

Reports have indicated that over a quarter million people in the UK alone suffer from ME. Scientist are yet to discover the cause of the condition. Symptoms of ME include excessive tiredness, poor concentration and muscle and joint pain.

To carry out the study researchers analysed three methods of treatment and evaluated their effectiveness towards ME treatment. The study used the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise and planning activities on 641 ME sufferers.

Results showed that CBT and exercise therapy were the most successful methods of treatment.

CBT was found to return 30 per cent of patients to normal levels of physical functioning and fatigue.

However Action for ME believed that the results of the study were exaggerated and previous results of alternative studies did not reflect the outcomes of this study.

The findings were welcomed by The Association of Young People with ME. It called on the group to repeat the study using children.