Epilepsy and Physical Activity in US Adults

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neurology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Epilepsy and seizure disorders affect a significant portion of the US adult population.
• Physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being, including for individuals with chronic health conditions.
• Current federal guidelines recommend specific amounts of aerobic leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and muscle-strengthening activity (MSA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of participation in aerobic LTPA and MSA among US adults with a seizure disorder or epilepsy.
• To assess the likelihood of this population meeting the 2018 PA guidelines for aerobic LTPA and MSA.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2010, 2013, and 2015 National Health Interview Survey.
• Included a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 18 and older with a seizure disorder or epilepsy.
• Employed descriptive analyses and logistic regression to calculate prevalence and odds.

Main Results:

• 45.1% of adults with a seizure disorder reported no aerobic LTPA, and 20.0% reported insufficient LTPA.
• Adults with a seizure disorder had 43% lower odds of meeting federal aerobic LTPA guidelines.
• Only 17.7% met the MSA recommendation, with 32% lower odds of performing MSA ≥2 days/week.

Conclusions:

• Adults with seizure disorders or epilepsy report lower participation in recommended physical activities.
• This population demonstrates significantly lower odds of meeting federal guidelines for both aerobic LTPA and MSA.
• Further research and interventions may be needed to promote physical activity in this demographic.