Evaluation of aerobic physical exercise program on seizure frequency, health and quality of life in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

Author(s)

Nathália Volpato

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
• Defense date: 2014-07-18

Examining board members

Fernando Cendes; Paula Teixeira Fernandes; Ricardo Mario Arida; Luiz Eduardo Betting; André Luiz Ferreira Costa

• Advisor: Fernando Cendes

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic condition that causes negative impact in the quality of life (QOL). There are plenty of scientific studies supporting the benefits of physical activity (PA) for different groups; however, there are controversies in studies about the relationship between PA and epilepsy. Many people still believe that PA can precipitate epileptic seizures, in such a way that people with epilepsy tend to a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, the present study evaluated the PA habits in people with temporal lobe epilepsy and the benefits of aerobic physical exercise (PE) program for this population. Methodology: 79 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were recruited from the Clinical Hospital of UNICAMP. They were evaluated through questionnaires of PA level (IPAQ); level of QOL (QOLIE31); History of Physical Exercise; and Perception and Seizure¿s Control. Forty out of 79 patients agreed to do the cardiopulmonary maximal exercise test and the anthropometry tests. The evaluations were taken before and after the aerobic PE program. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SYSTAT9TM Software. The differences between continuous variables between the groups and intra groups were analyzed through the Wilcoxon test; the frequency distribution was analyzed through the Fisher¿s exact test; and the relations between continuous variables were analyzed through the Pearson correlation. The level of significance adopted was p <0.05. Results: The data from IPAQ showed significant differences in QOL between the active (A) and inactive (B) groups. After the intervention period of aerobic PE, the training group (T) obtained significant improvement in overall QOL, as well as in the wellbeing perceptions; in the cognition and memory; in the daily energy and fatigue; in the social function¿s perception and in the physical capacity. On the contrary, people in the control group (C), that were instructed to maintain their normal daily activities, suffered a decrease of QOL level along with wellbeing¿s perception; cognition and memory; social function; and maintained their physical capacity. Discussion: The results show the importance of PE as complementary treatment of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. It showed the capacity to improve the QOL and the physical capacity, therefore, promoting emotional and the overall health improvement for this population (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/16243-4 - Evaluation of the impact physical activity program planned in seizure frequency and quality of life in patients with partial epilepsy
• Grantee: Nathália Volpato
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master