Physical Activity and Exercise in Inherited Myopathies: Risks, Benefits, and Adaptive Strategies

Inherited myopathies (IM) constitute a heterogeneous group of genetically based conditions that, regardless of the specific genetic defect, lead to a progressive decline in physical efficiency. Over time, this deterioration can reduce patients’ autonomy and markedly impair quality of life. Both general physical activity and structured exercise are increasingly recognized as valuable strategies to prevent or mitigate functional decline in a wide range of clinical contexts. In IM, however, evidence remains uneven. The rarity of many conditions, the variability in disease trajectories, and the limited availability of long-term or adequately powered studies make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about feasibility, safety, expected benefits, and optimal adaptation strategies. A clearer and more integrated perspective is needed to understand how physical activity and exercise can be effectively and safely implemented across the spectrum of such diseases.

The aim of this Research Topic is to examine potential risks, achievable benefits, physiological insights and condition-specific adaptation strategies of physical activity and structured exercise in patients with IM. Particular attention will be given to the application of emerging technologies to objectively quantify physical activity and exercise characteristics, along with the associated physiological responses, which may provide novel insights for tailoring personalized management strategies in these patients. By systematically addressing these aspects, the Research Topic seeks to provide clinicians with a practical knowledge base to guide physical activity management and exercise prescription in these populations. It also aims to identify gaps in current evidence, fostering the development of future research directions that can optimize outcomes, improve autonomy, and enhance quality of life for individuals affected by IM.

This Research Topic will explore the effects of physical activity and structured exercise in IM, such as muscular dystrophies, metabolic and mitochondrial myopathies, RYR1-related myopathies, and others. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Identification of criteria for tailoring exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to maximize feasibility and benefits.

- Technology-based approaches for personalizing physical activity and exercise.

- The effects of physical activity and/or exercise on chronic fatigue.

- Strategies for the prevention of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis.

- The impact of physical activity and/or exercise on functional outcomes and patient autonomy.

- Optimizing nutrition alongside physical activity/exercise for effective patient management.

We welcome Original Research, Brief Research Report, Case Report, Clinical Trial, Hypothesis and Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Review and Systematic Review articles contributing to this field.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Inherited myopathies, Physical activity, Physical exercise, Clinical mangament, Exercise adapatation, Adapted Nutrition

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.