National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Tubular aggregate myopathy

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I have tubular aggregate myopathy and am taking meloxicam. I am wondering if there is anything else I can take besides meloxicam. I have read about the side effects and this is why I am asking. I have recently started taking Karate and feel good when I take it. How much exercise is too much?

The following information may help to address your question:


What is tubular aggregate myopathy?

Tubular aggregate myopathy is a disorder that affects the skeletal muscles. Signs and symptoms typically begin in childhood and worsen over time. The leg muscles are most often affected, but the arm muscles may also be involved.[1] Symptoms include muscle pain, cramping, weakness or stiffness; and exercise-induced muscle fatigue.[1][2][3] Affected individuals may have an unusual walking style (gait) or difficulty running, climbing stairs, or getting up from a squatting position. Some individuals develop contractures.[1] This condition may be caused by mutations in the STIM1 or ORAI1 genes.[4][5] It is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, but autosomal recessive inheritance has also been reported.[1]
Last updated: 12/27/2016

How might tubular aggregate myopathy be treated?

Currently, we are unaware of any targeted therapies for tubular aggregate myopathy. There is very limited information in the medical literature regarding the treatment of this condition. Supportive therapies may be recommended depending on the severity of symptoms and associated complications. High dose steroids were reported to be effective in one case.[6] We were unable to find information specific to the use of meloxicam for treatment of tubular aggregate myopathy. We encourage you to discuss your questions and concerns about this drug with your healthcare provider.


Last updated: 10/26/2011

For people with tubular aggregate myopathy, how much exercise is too much?

Currently, there are no well established guidelines regarding this issue. The safety of exercise for people with neuromuscular diseases in general has long been debated. It can be difficult to define where the benefits of exercise becomes offset by the risk of muscle damage. In general, most experts agree that moderate exercise is safe.[7] We encourage you to discuss this question further with your healthcare provider.
Last updated: 8/15/2014

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

Warm regards,
GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Tubular aggregate myopathy. Genetics Home Reference. October, 2014; https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/tubular-aggregate-myopathy#.
  2. Gilchrist JM, Ambler M, Agatiello P. Steroid-responsive tubular aggregate myopathy. Muscle & Nerve. 1991 Mar; 14(3):233-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=2041544.
  3. Chevessier F et al. The origin of tubular aggregates in human myopathies. J Pathol. 2005 Nov; 207(3):313-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16178054.
  4. Cassandra L. Kniffin. MYOPATHY, TUBULAR AGGREGATE, 1; TAM1. OMIM. April 7, 2015; https://www.omim.org/entry/160565.
  5. Cassandra L. Kniffin. MYOPATHY, TUBULAR AGGREGATE, 2; TAM2. OMIM. March 25, 2015; http://omim.org/entry/615883.
  6. Gilchrist JM, Ambler M, Agatiello P. Steroid-responsive tubular aggregate myopathy. Muscle Nerve. 1991 Mar;; 14(3):233-236. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2041544.
  7. Staying Healthy with a Chronic Disease. Muscular Dystrophy Association. http://www.mda.org/publications/quest/q93exercise.html. Accessed 8/15/2014.