Abstract: A lack of exercise combined with low levels of activity is prominent in people with Mitochondrial Disease (MD). Unfortunately, access to health professionals such as physiotherapists with experience in MD is difficult, especially in remote areas. The use of digital health technology (DHT) may be a feasible and acceptable way to remove access barriers while increasing participant compliance and self-efficacy with exercise. Given that the implementation of DHT to improve exercise compliance is scalable and inexpensive, it's important to test this intervention clinically. Objective: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a structured home exercise program, supported by DHT, in people with MD. Methodology: Ten to 15 participants from the MD clinic at Neuroscience Research Australia will be recruited for this study. All participants will be remotely monitored for 8-weeks, provided with a customised, structured home exercise program and activity monitor smart watch. Training volume will increase gradually. Participants will receive weekly, individualised emails supporting their exercise program, weekly telehealth coaching sessions and pre-programmed smart watch movement reminders. Physical performance measures will be taken at week 0, pre-intervention and week 9, post-intervention. Questionnaires on fatigue, quality of life and acceptability of the program will also be administered. Results: Feasibility will be determined from the percentage of participants who enrol in the study from the eligible pool, percentage of dropouts over the study duration, and the percentage who adhere to the exercise program (defined as completing ≥75% of the regimen). Acceptability outcomes will be extracted from post-program questionnaires. Descriptive statistics of outcome measures (means and standard deviations) and any changes from pre to post will also be calculated. Conclusion: If shown to be feasible and acceptable, this intervention has the potential to deliver a significant impact on the lives of individuals with MD and the wider MD community.
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Feasibility - recruitment rate
Timeframe: 8 weeks
Feasibility - retention rate
Timeframe: 8 weeks
Feasibility - adherence to the exercise intervention
Timeframe: 8 weeks
Acceptability of platforms used
Timeframe: 8 weeks