Physical activity of children with a mitochondrial disease compared to children who are healthy
Anne-Marieke Martens1, Hetty Gorter, Ruben G V Wassink
1Roessingh Research and Development (Ms Martens, Mr Wassink, and Dr Rietman), Laboratory of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre (Ms Gorter), Enschede, the Netherlands.
Insights
Children with mitochondrial myopathy (MM) are less physically active and report lower quality of life. This study compared their activity levels and well-being to healthy children, highlighting significant differences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Mitochondrial myopathy (MM) is a condition affecting muscle energy production.
- Reduced physical activity is a common concern in children with chronic conditions.
- Objective assessment of physical activity in pediatric populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physical activity levels in children with MM versus healthy controls.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various measurement tools for assessing physical activity in this group.
- To assess quality of life and fatigue levels in children with MM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized accelerometry, heart rate monitoring, and video observation for objective activity measurement.
- Included subjective measures such as fatigue ratings and questionnaires on physical activity and quality of life.
- Compared data from 6 children with MM and 10 healthy children.
Main Results:
- Children with MM exhibited lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels compared to healthy peers.
- Accelerometer data indicated a significantly lower overall activity level in the MM group.
- The MM group reported increased fatigue and diminished quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Children with mitochondrial myopathy are less physically active than their healthy counterparts.
- MM is associated with higher reported fatigue and lower quality of life.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve physical activity and well-being in children with MM.
Purpose:
To compare the physical activity of a group of children with mitochondrial myopathy (MM) with children who are healthy and to evaluate the suitability of different measurement tools.
Methods:
The physical activity of 6 children with MM and 10 children who are healthy was measured using accelerometry, heart rate monitoring, video observation, rating of their fatigue, and 2 questionnaires about their physical activity and quality of life.
Results:
The children with MM spent less time in moderate to vigorous activity, and their activity level measured with the accelerometer was lower than the children who are healthy. Also, the children with MM indicated a higher level of fatigue and a lower quality of life.
Conclusions:
Children with MM are on average less physically active, report a higher level of fatigue, and a lower quality of life than children who are healthy.
