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Mitochondrial Myopathy & Exercise Physiology

Written by Emily Harding

Mitochondrial myopathy is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by dysfunction in the
mitochondria—the energy-producing structures within cells. Since mitochondria are responsible for generating ATP, the body’s main energy source, any impairment in their function can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and other systemic issues such as heart problems, respiratory complications, and neurological symptoms.

Managing mitochondrial myopathy is challenging, but an exercise physiologist can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with this condition.

Understanding the Role of Exercise in Mitochondrial Myopathy

Previously, people with mitochondrial myopathy were advised to avoid physical exertion due to fears of muscle damage and excessive fatigue. However, modern research has demonstrated that a well-structured, individualised exercise program can offer significant benefits. Exercise has been shown to promote mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria) and improve muscle efficiency, which can help counteract some of the deficits caused by the disease.

How an Exercise Physiologist Can Help

An exercise physiologist specialises in designing and implementing evidence-based exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions, including mitochondrial myopathy. Their expertise allows them to create a personalised and safe approach to physical activity that balances the need for movement with the risk of overexertion.

Developing a Tailored Exercise Plan

Since mitochondrial myopathy affects individuals differently, a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. An exercise physiologist assesses the person’s current fitness level, symptoms, and limitations before designing a program that may include:

  • Aerobic Training: Low to moderate-intensity activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming can help enhance endurance and improve mitochondrial function without causing excessive fatigue.
  • Strength Training: Light resistance exercises can help maintain muscle strength and functionality while avoiding overstraining the muscles.
  • Flexibility and Mobility Exercises: Stretching and mobility exercises can improve range of motion and prevent stiffness, which is particularly beneficial for those with muscle weakness.
Monitoring Energy Expenditure and Fatigue

One of the key challenges for individuals with mitochondrial myopathy is energy management. An exercise physiologist can educate individuals on pacing strategies, ensuring that they do not exceed their energy threshold, which could lead to severe fatigue or muscle breakdown. They can also integrate rest periods and monitor symptoms closely to prevent overexertion.

Improving Cardiovascular Health

Some individuals with mitochondrial myopathy experience heart-related issues due to inefficient energy production. An exercise physiologist can help implement cardiovascular training that supports heart health without placing unnecessary strain on the system.

Why This Matters for Neurological Conditions

For those with pre-existing neurological conditions, concussions can add an extra layer of complexity to daily function and rehabilitation. Symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or cognitive fog may feel more intense or take longer to resolve. That’s why working with professionals like exercise physiologists is crucial—they can design a tailored recovery plan to help restore function safely.

Enhancing Quality of Life

By improving physical fitness, reducing fatigue, and increasing independence, an exercise physiologist helps individuals with mitochondrial myopathy gain confidence in their ability to perform daily tasks. This can significantly enhance overall well-being and mental health.

Key Takeaways

While mitochondrial myopathy presents unique challenges, incorporating a structured and supervised exercise program can be highly beneficial. Exercise physiologists play a vital role in guiding individuals toward safe and effective physical activity, ultimately improving their strength, endurance, and quality of life. By working closely with healthcare providers, they can help individuals with mitochondrial myopathy lead more active and fulfilling lives.

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Walter White

Manager of good vibes
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Being active has taken on a whole new meaning and I am 100% here for it. I like to fink I’m pretty active, and I keep up de vibes during team meetings – just making sure everyone’s hands are always moving (across my butt) because I know dat any exercise is good exercise. I keep close to everyone, real close, just to keep dem on their toes when dey walk by too.
Fings are always better when I am der so if you need some good vibes, I will be der for you.
Brb just going to have a snooze.
Love and licks,
Wally

Ailish Rice

Exercise Physiologist
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I have always imagined I would go into a career that combined my passion for exercise with the opportunity to help people, and I found my perfect match in Exercise Physiology!
My role has progressed over the last few years, from coaching gymnastics, to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, and now an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
As Be Physiology, I can apply my knowledge and skills to support clients living with neurological conditions, chronic illnesses, pain or injuries.

As both a participant and an EP, I have a keen interest in CrossFit, clinical Pilates, women’s health, and all things exercise-related! Ultimately, I am eager to support a diverse range of clients through their rehabilitation and towards their individualised goals, using movement as medicine.
Eddie Carroll

Eddie Carroll

Exercise Physiologist

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Growing up, sport and physical activity were simply a part of life and not much has changed since. These days you’ll find me in the gym, playing social volleyball, soccer, or out watching the footy. That lifelong love of movement is a big part of what drew me to Exercise Physiology, and it’s something I bring into every session.

I work primarily with neurological and neurodevelopmental populations, including NDIS participants, and I find this work genuinely rewarding. Seeing someone move better, feel more capable, or achieve a goal they weren’t sure was possible is what drives me as an exercise physiologist.

I’m not focused on a particular diagnosis; I’m focused on the person in front of me. We all have things we want to achieve, and sometimes that means overcoming daily frustrations that others might overlook. I believe in listening, then building a specific program for you.

Exercise is one of the most underutilised tools in healthcare, if you’re ready to use it, I’d like to help!

Benji Wilksch | Mobile Exercise Physiologist

Benji Wilksch

Exercise Physiologist

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Hi, I’m Benji! 

I love being able to use my passion for health, fitness, and exercise to support people in moving and feeling their best. As an Exercise Physiologist, I’m lucky to do this every day. Sport and exercise have always played a big role in my life, with interests spanning cricket, athletics, and cross‑country running. These days, you’ll often find me strength training in the gym, running distances from 5km through to marathons, or taking on the occasional HYROX event.

Outside of work, I enjoy catching up with friends over a great coffee or unwinding by playing guitar.

Before joining Be Physiology, I worked as a strength and conditioning coach and group fitness coach. Since graduating university, I’ve stepped into my role as an Exercise Physiologist and strongly believe that movement is medicine — it has the power to make a real difference for a lot of people. I have a particular interest in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but ultimately, I’m passionate about helping anyone improve their confidence, function, and quality of life. I’m excited for what the future holds at Be Physiology.

Brittney White

Co-founder / Operations manager
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I’m NOT an exercise physiologist, but I do take my hat off to my team and get to admire the work they do each and every day. Be Physiology means that we’re able to apply our passion, and our experience, to make exercise physiology more accessible to the people who need it the most.
You might hear the team describe me as ‘the person who does everything else’, and that can be translated to ‘marketing and operations’. My background is marketing and business, which I’ve lived and breathed since 2011. I’ve worked in both the agency and corporate spaces, across many industries, with many amazing people and now with Be Physiology, I get to explore the health industry further and continue to meet the most incredible people who are the ones to define motivation.
If you’ve met Harry and our amazing exercise physiologists, you’d know that they don’t really need marketing – they’re genuine, have ridiculous amounts of charisma, knowledgeable, and extremely passionate about helping people to be a better version of themselves. But, sometimes getting an introduction is the hardest part and that’s where I come in.
If you want to chat, a coffee, a laugh, I’m always here to make one or all of them happen.
So call me and let’s keep sharing the love!

Harry White

Co-founder / supervisor
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The longer you work as an Exercise Physiologist (EP), the more you understand just how amazing exercise is for everyone, without exception. You also get to meet and work with people who have completely changed their lives through their own consistency and determination, this is when you realise that this is more than a job. It saves lives.
My expertise is spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders and helping clients to achieve an improved quality of life through rehabilitation and functional training. Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders can be slow but incredibly rewarding for clients when results are achieved, no matter how small. Assisting people through learning useful skills and functional training is the most important role that an EP can play to help people lead a more fulfilled life.
My perspective is different now to when I started, now when I see all the EPs graduating every year and getting excited knowing that they too will get the opportunity to be a part of something special.
Our team is full of people that want to be amazing EPs and who are striving to be the best, there is no better culture than that!
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