Epilepsy and Physical Activity in US Adults

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2020

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.

Publication Title

Southern Medical Journal

Volume

113

Issue

2

First Page

81

Last Page

86

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001066

PubMed ID

32016438

ISSN

00384348

E-ISSN

15418243

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