Rehabilitation of Patients with MELAS Syndrome: A Case Report

MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and recurrent stroke-like episodes) syndrome is a mitochondrial disorder. Patients with mitochondrial myopathies typically have exercise-induced symptoms. Thus, patients are often advised to avoid exercise, which leads to deconditioning. Currently, the concept of aerobic exercise training as therapy for mitochondrial disease is not well established. We report the case of a patient with adult-onset MELAS, who responded positively to a low intensity rehabilitation program. Low intensity training was safe and significantly improved our patient's physical fitness. During the 20-month follow-up period, there was no significant reduction in muscle strength and function. Therefore, short-term endurance training was very useful in our patient. Given this result, studies with a proper aerobic exercise protocol and long-term follow-up are warranted.