Pilot study of exercise for children with mitochondrial myopathy

A single-arm cohort study will be conducted. Ten participants will be recruited; assessed at study entry, administered an individualised, progressive exercise program and assessed post-intervention. 

Potentially eligible participants will be identified from prevalent cases registered with either the Children’s Hospital at Westmead or The Sydney Children’s Hospital and offered participation in the study. Inclusion criteria are: age 6-17 years, diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy confirmed by muscle/liver MRC enzymatic abnormalities or by identification of the primary genetic defect, ability to follow exercise instructions and complete assessments as determined by the recruiting clinician and parent, willing to engage in a 12-week supervised exercise program. Exclusion criterion: Cardiac complications that contraindicate aerobic exercise, moderate or severe intellectual disability (IQ<70).