Sport and Physical Activity in Epilepsy A Systematic Review

Background: For many years, people with epilepsy were advised not to engage in sports. In this systematic review, we investigated whether persons with epilepsy exercise less than the general population. and what effect physical activity has on epilepsy. Methods: A literature search was carried out in PubMed and the Web of Science, and 14 269 studies were entered into the selection process. The selected studies were assessed for their methodological quality and accordingly assigned an evidence level. Results: 42 studies were included in the review; 10 were classified as evidence level 3, 27 as evidence level 2-, 2 as evidence level 2+, and 3 as evidence level 1-. Persons with epilepsy are less physically active and less physically fit than the general population. Reduced physical activity is associated with a higher frequency of comorbidities and lower quality of life. Physical interventions can improve quality of life. In most cases, physical exercise did not increase seizure frequency. Conclusion: There is no reason to forbid persons with epilepsy to participate in sports; they should, rather, be encouraged to do so. The decision on a particular type of sport should, however, be taken individually in each case.