Adherence to exercise in people with epilepsy

Abstract Objective We evaluate adherence to tailor made, short-term home exercise programme in adult people with epilepsy (PWE), with seizures controlled on anti-seizure medications (ASM). Methods Demographic, clinical, quality of life (QoL) and physical fitness data of 116 PWE. Participants were prescribed tailor-made home-based exercises for 3 months. At follow-up, adherence to exercise was evaluated using self-reported Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS). Results Average age of the study population was 29.93 ± 10.20(18–52) years; with 46 (39.6%) women. At enrolment, none of the participants reported to be physically active and the average body mass index (BMI) was 28.40 ± 5.79(18.2–41.4). The average distance walked in a six-minute walk test was 385.95 ± 63.48(240–510) metres. On QoL analysis, the mean Physical component score was 45.57 ± 8.72(25.7–62.6) and Mental component core was 45.41 ± 10.37(20.9–64.9). On EARS, 31(26.7%) participants reported doing exercises as recommended. Among PWE who were non-adherent to exercise, 68(58.6%) reported fear of possible seizure as a barrier for exercise, 63(54.3%) reported lack of support from family and friends. Having no fear about exercise (r = 0.640; p < 0.001) and encouragement of family were associated with adherence to exercise (r = 0.463; p < 0.001). Conclusion Adherence to home-based physical exercise is reported in one-fourth of PWE. Non-compliance to exercise in PWE is multi-factorial, support from family and friends and counselling may be helpful. Trial Registration CTRI/2014/10/005125