In a field with few objective markers, the 2-day cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a beacon of hope.
Did you know you can measure post-exertional malaise?
In this webinar you'll discover in this webinar how the 2-day CPET test
- provides an objective clinical diagnosis of PEM, supporting a diagnosis of ME, CFS or long COVID,
- supports disability claims,
- helps validate that "you are not faking", and
- directs individualized rehabilitation allowing increased capacity without causing more fatigue and malaise.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the worsening of symptoms and loss of physical or mental function after minor exertion. It is a defining feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME, CFS) and frequently occurs in long COVID and fibromyalgia. PEM is why people struggle to recover.
The widely available one-day bicycle exercise (CPET) test doesn't differentiate PEM from deconditioning. It is often used by insurers to force people into exercise "rehab" programs with disastrous consequences.
The specialized two-day exercise test protocol developed by the Workwell Foundation is different. Is assesses whether people can match performance on the second day or fall short despite maximal effort. A decrease on day 2 of the test provides a validated, physiological demonstration of the abnormal recovery response that defines PEM.
Cory Fagan is the most experienced provider of the 2 day CPET in Canada. He was recently the first author on a paper describing some of his findings. He will describe what the 2-day CPET test is and what specific findings are suggestive of PEM. He will explain how he uses individual test results to direct personalized PEM informed rehab programs and will share his experience working with people with ME over the past 15 years.
The webinar will last approximately 90 minutes.
- 5-10 minute introduction
- 40-minute presentation
- 10-minute break
- up to 30 mins of Q&A
Join us on Monday, October 19, 2026, 2026
at 9:30 am Pacific / 10:30 am Mountain / 12:30 pm Eastern
Time converter at worldtimebuddy.com
This presentation is part of Dr. Stein's Expert Speakers Series. These will be held approximately monthly, and each session will feature a different guest expert on topics of interest to people with complex chronic disease, chronic disease in general, and people interested in living healthier, longer.
All webinars are recorded. When you register, you get indefinite access.
ALL presentations in the Expert Speakers Series are free with a membership to Live! with Dr. Stein.
About the Presenters
Cory Fagan,
BPE(Hons), MSc (Kinesiology)
TCR is a lifelong dream for Cory that began in 2006. His vision was to build a sport science center to help people achieve their goals. A place for people to connect and participate in movement.
Cory has been involved in the fitness, health and sport training industry for the past 25 years. Academically, Cory received an honours degree in Physical Education in 1996 and a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology in 2000, both from the University of Calgary. His studies focused on advanced methodologies of exercise testing and strength training for athletes. His career began as a strength and conditioning coach at the UofC and then the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Athletics.
Although Cory’s primary clientele are athletes, he has a background and interest in chronic illness, including cancer survivors and patients with ME/CFS and FM. He is the most experienced provider of the 2 day CPET in Canada. He also offers incremental blood lactate testing assists patients in determining their anaerobic threshold and exercise capacity. Cory provides recommendations for incremental training based on individual capacity.
Eleanor Stein, MD
Dr. Eleanor Stein brings a rare combination of over 35 years of lived experience and medical expertise in myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, environmental sensitivities, long COVID and chronic pain.
She became ill with ME, CFS, FM and MCS in 1989. Since then, she has experienced, studied, and treated the full alphabet of related conditions, including joint hypermobility, orthostatic dysfunction and mast cell activation syndrome. She has personally tried hundreds of approaches, attended hundreds of medical conferences, and reviewed thousands of peer-reviewed papers to determine what works best for the greatest number of people.
Since retiring from medical practice at the end of 2022, Dr. Stein has dedicated her time to integrating emerging research in neuroplasticity, hormesis, circadian biology, and related fields. While traveling in her camper van, she continues to study and translate this research into practical, accessible programs designed to make the healing journey easier, safer, and more effective.
