Physical Activity in Epileptic Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic

Physical Activity in Epileptic Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic

Date

2-14-2024

Faculty Mentor

Christopher Clark, Kinesiology; Jennifer Burgett, Kinesiology; David Kean, Kinesiology

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Submission Type

Conference Proceeding

Location

11:30-11:40am | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor

Description

Context: Epilepsy is a brain disorder that is caused by imbalanced electrical rhythms that can result in various seizure types. Signs and symptoms of epilepsy can affect a patient’s physical performance during activities of daily living and sporting events. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to examine whether physical activity in epileptic patients will increase or decrease the signs and symptoms of seizures.

Methods: A computerized search was conducted in October 2023. The search terms used were “epilepsy,” “physical activity,” “seizure,” and “sports.” Electronic databases used were PubMed, Medline, JSU Library, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: Articles published between 2009-2023, randomized controlled blind/double-blind trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, meta-analyses, or peer-reviewed articles, and be written in English. Exclusion criteria: Cohort studies, animal models, qualitative studies, or articles published over 15 years ago. Validity of the selected studies was determined using QUADAS, PRISMA, and STROBE scales. One author independently reviewed the studies, scored each paper, and reviewed the completed appraisals to reach a consensus on the study quality.

Results: The literature search retrieved 375 total articles, and 370 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, resulting in five studies. The included studies determined that physical activity can influence exercise adherence in epileptic patients. Furthermore, one study found that signs and symptoms of epilepsy occurred during exercise, specifically ball games, jogging, and hiking. In addition, another article refers to sudden cardiac death symptoms present in active individuals with epilepsy, could be misdiagnosed as ventricular arrhythmias or arrhythmogenic syncope, which also found sudden unexpected death in epilepsy can be prevented through seizure-management practices. Healthcare providers should take a detailed past and current medical history to support the risk of sudden cardiac death, and regular exercise in persons with epilepsy can provide mood benefits. For example, one study describes how a four-week exercise program in persons with epilepsy improved mental state, social skills, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life (QOL). However, one study concluded that PWE faces barriers to safe and confident exercise, which can negatively impact disease management.

Conclusions: Persons with epilepsy have been discouraged from participating in contact sports due to an increased risk of fatigue, repeated head injuries, hyperventilation, and metabolism changes because these are common triggers for epilepsy. Epileptic patients can participate in physical activity with decreased signs and symptoms of seizures, but there are prohibited activities, such as scuba diving, motor vehicle riding, and rock climbing. Healthcare providers should obtain medical history to educate their epileptic patients, as regular exercise can benefit mood, reduce the risk of disease, manage weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular function. Persons with epilepsy are encouraged to participate in physical activity due to a sedentary lifestyle and increased QOL.

Keywords

student research, kinesiology

Rights

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Disciplines

Sports Sciences

Physical Activity in Epileptic Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic

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