Is Exercise Good or Bad for Mytochondrial Myopathy?
I’m a research subject in a project on exercise in Mitochondrial Myopathy(MM) sufferers. The results of the research will enable specialists give clear advice to individuals with MM about the form and level of exercise that would be beneficial for them.
The exercise studies and research will carefully investigate in order to determine whether there are potential benefits and most importantly any potential risks!
These studies are well underway in Dallas ,Texas USA as they have the specialist equipment needed to accurately measure the effects of exercise.
The Texas team have shown already that exercise benefits patients with MM
However please note:-
Each person has their own limits. This limit varies from one to another
My exercise is being controlled by the Hospital and carefully monitored
IF ANY ONE OF YOU MM PATIENTS WANTS TO EXERCISE –YOU MUST SEE YOUR CONSULTANT FIRST!!!
The tests are underway as we speak and the second trip to Dallas is due anytime, so studies will go on until spring of 2004 before the Hospital give out any results to the group of patients who are being studied.
As for the exercise, well back in July 2003, 20 minutes was a killer on the exercise bike. 12 weeks later and now I’m doing 45 minutes and around 17miles each time and doing it 4 times a week, controlling my Heart Beat (BPM) to specified condition by the hospital. I can honestly say I feel stronger and have more stamina. I can say that its really hard, and I am having serious pains in the tendons in my right foot, I have trouble walking on it but muscles all over my body do not hurt as much, NO PAIN NO GAIN - but not too much pain!
I hope all who read this take note that research takes time but at least there is funding being given to look for better ways for MM patients.
Paul
MM patient and Research Subject
November 2003
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This research programme being carried out by Professor Turnbull is being funded by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
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