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Physical exercise in women with intractable epilepsy
H R Eriksen1, B Ellertsen, H Grønningsaeter
1Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education, Oslo.
Epilepsia
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Physical exercise significantly reduced seizure frequency and improved health in women with epilepsy. However, effects were not maintained due to insufficient program support for long-term lifestyle changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pharmacologically intractable epilepsy affects numerous women, necessitating complementary treatment strategies.
- Physical exercise is increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits across various health conditions.
- The impact of structured exercise interventions on seizure control and overall well-being in epilepsy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a structured physical exercise program on seizure frequency in women with intractable epilepsy.
- To assess the effects of exercise on subjective health complaints, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lipid profiles.
- To explore the sustainability of exercise-induced benefits and identify factors influencing long-term adherence.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen women with intractable epilepsy participated in a 15-week program of aerobic dancing, strength training, and stretching (60 min, twice weekly).
- Seizure frequency was monitored for 3-7 months pre-intervention, during, and 3 months post-intervention.
- Objective measures included maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and plasma cholesterol ratio; subjective measures included health complaints.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in self-reported seizure frequency was observed during the exercise intervention period.
- Participants reported decreased subjective health complaints, including muscle pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
- The exercise program led to a reduced plasma cholesterol ratio and increased maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max).
Conclusions:
- Structured physical exercise can effectively reduce seizure frequency and improve health-related quality of life in women with intractable epilepsy.
- The observed benefits were not sustained post-intervention, highlighting the need for long-term, supportive exercise programs.
- Establishing lasting lifestyle changes through exercise requires more than 15 weeks and necessitates well-organized, instructor-led programs.