Nearly one in 250 Australians is affected by the debilitating genetic disorder in which there is a steady decline of muscle mass and strength over their lifetimes. People suffering from the disease have to spend a lot of time resting, in bed or in a wheelchair.

Researchers will soon conduct trails to test efficacy of vibration therapy in treating mitochondrial disease. The trail will involve 25 children and young adults with the condition.

The study subjects will be given vibrating platform about the size of a large shoebox to be used at home. Doctors believe that only standing on the platform for just a few minutes every day can boost their muscle strength. It may help keeping them mobile for longer.

Mitochondrial disease leaves cells without enough energy to function in one or more parts of the body. It can result in blindness, heart disease, muscle weakness and loss of motor control, and therefore has no targeted treatment.

Prof Christodoulou, from The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, says: "We're, therefore, hopeful that vibration training may improve muscle function and bone structure in children and young adults with mitochondrial disorders."