Physical activity correlates across the lifespan in people with epilepsy: a systematic review

Understanding barriers and facilitators of physical activity (PA) participation in people with epilepsy is an essential first step to enable development of targeted and effective interventions. This systematic review examined that PA correlates in people with epilepsy across the lifespan.

Major electronic databases were searched from inception until 1 April 2019. Keywords included "physical activity" or "exercise" and "epilepsy".

Out of 31 correlates from 10 studies (n = 495, 5-72 years) no consistent (i.e., reported in four or more studies) correlates were identified. In children and adolescents, membership of a sports club was a facilitator for being physically active (confirmed in one study: 1/1), while lower maternal educational level was a barrier (1/1). In adults, the most reported barrier was the presence of depression (3/3), followed by trait anxiety (2/3), state anxiety (1/1), side effects of medication (1/1), and perceived stigma (1/1). No studies focusing on middle-aged and old age people with epilepsy were available.

The current review found that quantitative research about PA barriers and facilitators in people with epilepsy is still in its infancy, but PA participation is associated with a range of biological, social, and psychological factors which should be considered in rehabilitation programs.Implications for rehabilitationMany people living with epilepsy do not engage in physical activity on a regular basis.Children with epilepsy who are member of a sports club are more physically active.Depression, anxiety, and perceived stigma are important barriers for being active in adults with epilepsy.Side-effects of antiepilepstic drugs are a barrier for being active in adults with epilepsy.