Epilepsy and activity--a population-based study

To compare the activity profiles of a nationally representative sample of individuals with epilepsy compared to the general population.

The Canadian Community Health Survey is a cross-sectional survey that uses a stratified cluster sample design to obtain information on Canadians 12 years of age or older. Data on activity and energy expenditure, among those aged 12-39 years, were compared for those who reported having epilepsy and the remainder of the population.

Of the 53,552 respondents, 341 reported having epilepsy. There was no difference in the monthly frequency of leisure physical activity of >15 min duration between those who did and did not have epilepsy. The daily energy expenditure related to leisure physical activity was also similar between the two groups. The choice of leisure activity was similar, but those with epilepsy were more likely to use walking as a leisure physical activity and were less likely to be involved in ice hockey, weight training, and home exercise.

These results suggest that the negative attitudes toward restricting access to physical activity do not appear to be adversely affecting the leisure activity of Canadian youth and young adults with epilepsy.