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

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.