Skeletal muscle wasting refers to a loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is the basis by which normal physiological mitochondrial function is maintained and mainly involves the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics ( fission / fusion), and mitophagy. MQC maintains muscle homeostasis by regulating the relative stability of mitochondrial shape, quantity, and quality. As an economical and effective treatment for muscular atrophy, exercise interventions are widely used, but the relationship between exercise intervention and MQC is not clear. This paper discusses the role of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy in skeletal muscle atrophy and related molecular targets. We thoroughly analyze the mechanisms by which MQCmediated exercise can improve the skeletal muscle atrophy caused by aging, disuse, and cancer cachexia in order to provide theoretical guidance for intervention.