Effect of targeted physiotherapy on the quality of life of patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology – a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. According to the World Health Organization, it accounts for 1% of the global burden of disease worldwide. Pharmacotherapy remains the primary therapeutic tool in this disease. However, more and more emphasis is placed on approaching this group of patients in an interdisciplinary manner, taking their various needs into account: social, professional, economic or psychological. Attention is also paid to the positive impact of physical activity on the quality of life of patients with epilepsy. The patients with diagnosed epilepsy often complain of a feeling of instability not reflected in standard neurological examination. Early detection of postural control disorders is possible using an objective research tool which is the modified CTSIB test (Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance). Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of targeted physical therapy on the quality of life among patients with diagnosed epilepsy of unknown etiology using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Materials and methods: The study included 11 professionally active adults with diagnosed generalized epilepsy of unknown etiology, treated at the Department or Outpatient Clinic of Neurology at John Paul II Specialist Hospital in Kraków. Finally, out of the 11 recruited patients (5 women and 6 men), 1 patient was excluded from the study due to a history of craniocerebral trauma. Patients were examined 3 times every month using EEG and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Additionally, between the 2nd and the 3rd month of the pilot study, the study group underwent physical therapy focused on balance disorders using the Biodex SD stabilometric platform. Results: Overall, the quality of life index measured using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire in the study group improved after the completion of targeted physical therapy. Conclusions: 1. Generalized epilepsy of unknown etiology results in a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients, which may also be accompanied by disorders of postural control. 2 A targeted program of physiotherapy in the treatment of patients with generalized epilepsy of unknown etiology may has a positive effect on their quality of life. null

Effects of exercise on sleep in patients with epilepsy: A systematic review

“… [54] single-group multidisciplinary program consisting of cognitive rehabilitation, physical fitness and motor coordination exercises, therapeutic counseling to improve disease coping, educational sessions, mindfulness training, and legal advice 1.5 hr/day across all modules for an average of 11 inpatient days − any 1,339 14–87 compliance, affect/mood, activity, communication, mobility/physical fitness, fine motor skills, autonomy/independence from assistance (observer-rated) intervention improved compliance, activity, affect, and total impairment no Szczygieł-Pilut et al, 2020. [77] single-group crossover (controlled) physiotherapy focused on balance training 2 30-min sessions/week over one month baseline/no intervention (two months wait pre-intervention) generalized epilepsy of unknown etiology, controlled with ASM 10 18–65 years QOL physiotherapy improved QOL in domains of physical functioning, physical limitations, pain, vitality, social functioning, mental health, emotional functioning, and total QOL no Vooturi et al, 2020. [78] RCT moderate-intensity home-based aerobic (cardiovascular, endurance, flexibility) exercise at 60 % target heart rate 4 45-min sessions/week over 12 weeks education only, continue existing exercise programs controlled (seizure-free for two years, on ASM) exercise, 48; control, 42 18–60 weight, BMI, abdominal, waist, and hip circumference, physical capacity, QOL, metabolic markers exercise reduced weight and improved physical capacity and physical QOL sleep duration reported only at baseline Vooturi et al, 2023.…”

“…Of the 18 studies reported by 23 articles, four (4) exclusively used cardiovascular/aerobic training without a strength component. Two studies (three publications) from Canada assessed the effects of daily walking [49] , [50] , [51] , one study each tested yoga [52] and balance training [53] , and two studies did not report enough detail to determine the type of exercise or used different modalities for each participant [54] , [31] . Finally, one study tested yoga against “simple exercise” training [55] , so both intervention arms could be considered exercise interventions for the purposes of this review.…”