Original Article

Epilepsy and Physical Activity in US Adults

Authors: James R. Churilla, PhD, MPH, Adrian J. Boltz, MSH, Tammie M. Johnson, DrPH, MPH, Michael R. Richardson, MSH

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of self-reported aerobic leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) participation using a representative sample of US adults (18 years old and older) with a seizure disorder or epilepsy.

Methods: Data from the 2010, 2013, and 2015 National Health Interview Survey cycles were used to examine the prevalence and odds of meeting the 2018 PA guidelines with a nationally representative sample of US adults. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression were used in calculating estimates.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of adults with a seizure disorder or epilepsy reporting no (0 min), insufficient (<150 min), sufficient (150–300 min [meets recommendations]), or high volumes of LTPA (>300 min [meets recommendations]) were 45.1%, 20.0%, 10.8%, and 24.1% (P < 0.001), respectively, and had a 43% (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.66) lower odds of meeting the 2018 federal guidelines for aerobic LTPA. In addition, 17.7% of adults with a seizure disorder reported meeting the MSA recommendation and were 32% (odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.57–0.80) less likely to preform MSA ≥2 days/week (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Adults reporting a seizure disorder or epilepsy also indicate their ability to participate in both LTPA and MSA; however, this population was found to have a significantly lower odds of meeting current federal aerobic LTPA and MSA recommendations.
Posted in: Neurology17 Seizures1

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