A single-center survey on physical activity barriers, behaviors and preferences in adults with epilepsy

Background Improved understanding of physical activity barriers and preferences in people with epilepsy is needed to successfully design and perform larger, more robust effectiveness trials. Methods Adult patients at a single tertiary epilepsy center between January and April 2020 were surveyed. The survey included a validated physical activity questionnaire (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly) plus 15 items aimed to address 1) perceptions and beliefs regarding physical activity, 2) barriers to routine physical activity, and 3) willingness and ability to participate in a physical activity intervention and 4) current physical abilities, activities, and preferences. Results 95 participants with epilepsy (age 42 ± 16.2, 59 % female) completed the survey. Sixty-five participants (68.4 %) reported that they believe that physical activity could improve their seizure frequency. However, 40 % of those surveyed said their neurologist had never talked to them about physical activity. The most commonly reported barriers to physical activity were lack of time (24.7 %) and fear of having a seizure (19.7 %), while barriers to intervention participation included being unable to come to in-person sessions (53 % of those willing to participate),living far away (39.3 %), time constraints (28.6 %), and lack of transportation (21.4 %). Conclusion Future physical activity studies in people with epilepsy should focus on using tailored interventions that accommodate their unique beliefs and barriers.