Exercise for mitochondrial myopathies

Journal/Book: Aus: Rehab in Review Vol.6 No.6 1998. Physikalische Medizin Heft 5 8. Jahrgang Oktober 1998 M 59 - M 60. 1998;

Abstract: Talvassalo T. et al.: Effects of aerobic train ing in patients with mitochondrial myopathies. Neurology 50 (1998) 1055-1060 Mitochondrial diseases are both clinically and biochemically heterogenous. They may affect functioning of skeletal muscle brain or other organs. However the role of exercise in the management of individuals with mitochondrial myopathies has not been well examined. This series of 10 individuals ages 25 to 58 with a diagnosis of a mitochondrial myopathy was recruited from a neuromuscular clinic in Montreal. All subjects entering the trial had exercise intolerance and muscle weakness among their primary presenting symptoms. Patients were enrolled in an eightweek program of aerobic exercise training using a motorized treadmill. Subjects exercised three to four times per week attempting to achieve a target heart rate (HR) of between 60 % and 80 % of the heart rate reserve (HRR) (HRR=maximal HR - resting HR). The goal for each session was to perform a total of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise within the target range. Exercise sessions also included stretching as well as warm-up and cool-down periods. Outcome measures performed at baseline and after eight weeks of training included exercise testing heart rate blood lactate level Serum creatinine kinease phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and SF-36 Medical Outcome Questionnaire results. Biochemical and functional measures showed significant improvement with training. Estimated aerobic capacity increased by 30 %. Blood lactate concentration both at rest and after exercise decreased by 30 %. Fatigue and ability to perform daily activities also improved with training. Conclusion: This uncontrolled care series suggests that aerobic training may play a significant role in the rehabilitative management of individuals with mitochondrial myopathies. schö

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