An Interdisciplinary Approach to Improving the Quality of Life in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Case Study

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating condition affecting the autonomic nervous system that causes a series of symptoms, such as blurred vision, brain fog, chest pain, headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, syncope, and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can lead to diminished daily activity, daytime fatigue, poor sleep quality, and increased suicidal tendencies. Among the physical symptoms, POTS patients present decreased quality of life, increased prevalence of depression, and elevated anxiety. This case study documents an interdisciplinary approach to treating a 39-year-old female POTS patient with an 8-week intervention program and a further 4-week follow-up. The intervention investigated the combined effects of Functional Imagery Training and physical exercise on the patient’s quality of life. Following completion of the program, the subject improved in all four quality-of-life components, and this change was maintained over time when compared with baseline measures. The program demonstrated that high levels of exercise adherence beyond the intervention can be achieved when combining Functional Imagery Training and exercise, regardless of the exercise-intolerant characteristics presented by a POTS patient.