Side alternating vibration training in patients with mitochondrial disease: a pilot study

Christopher Newell; Barbara Ramage; Ion Robu; Jane Shearer; Aneal Khan

doi:10.1186/s40945-017-0038-4

Authors

Christopher Newell Department of Medical Science, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
Barbara Ramage Department of Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
Ion Robu Department of Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
Jane Shearer Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
Aneal Khan Departments of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-017-0038-4

Keywords:

Side alternating vibration training, Randomized controlled trial, Mitochondrial disease, Peak jumping power, Skeletal muscle, Clinical measurement, Pilot study

Abstract

Background: Side alternating vibration training (SAVT) is a mechanical oscillation using a vibrating platform that simulates exercise. We hypothesized that patients with mitochondrial myopathies, who experience muscle weakness, may see an improvement in muscle power with SAVT. Methods: Patients with mitochondrial disease started either a treatment (SAVT) or control phase (standing without vibration) for 12 weeks, then 12 weeks of washout, and then a 12-week cross-over. The main outcome measure was peak jump power (PJP). We compared this to a natural history cohort from clinic. Results: Seven out of 13 patients completed at least 80% of their SAVT sessions and were analyzed. The ΔPJP after the control phase was −2.7 ± 1.7 W/kg (mean ± SEM), SAVT was +2.8 ± 0.6 W/kg (p < 0.05) and from the natural history cohort was −2.4 ± 0.8 W/kg/year. Conclusions: SAVT is well tolerated and may improve muscle power in mitochondrial disease patients.