Randomized controlled trial of moderate cardiovascular exercise for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

The primary research question of this study was whether a moderate cardiovascular exercise program can reduce seizure frequency in patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The hypothesis is that cardiovascular fitness will reduce seizure frequency in persons with epilepsy (PWE). Twenty-eight patients were randomized into two groups; exercise or relaxation. The exercise group were given an ergometric bicycle sent to their home to be used for 150 min/week, 30 min/day for 5 days a week for the study period of 6 months. Participants in the relaxation group were given audio muscular relaxation exercises to be performed for 20 min at least five times per week for the study period of 6 months. Seizure counts and exercise/relaxation sessions were registered daily in a written diary. Both groups received monthly motivational telephone calls. Seizures, anxiety, and depression symptom ratings (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), health status ratings (RAND-36), aerobic capacity (estimated VO Twenty-two patients completed the intervention. There were no significant changes in seizure frequency in either of the groups. Six months of moderate exercise did increase the level of physical activity and maximal oxygen uptake. Moderate exercise did not affect seizure frequency in this study. The patients in the exercise group did increase their estimated VO

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Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Declaration of Competing Interest Elinor Ben-Menachem has served as paid consultant for Arvelle and has received support from GW Pharma, UCB, Sandoz, Theracule and she is also Chief Editor for Acta Neurologica Scandinavia. Johan Zelano has received speaker honoraria for non-branded education from UCB, Eisai. He is an employee of Sahlgrenska University Hospital, investigator in clinical trials sponsored by UCB, Bial, GW pharma, and SK life science (no personal compensation). Emma Varkey has received speaker honoraria for non-branded education from Novartis Sverige AB and has received grant for an education material for Eli Lilly & Company. The remaining authors have no conflict of interests to declare. We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines.