Physical activity and lifestyle features in patients with epilepsy

Problem of research: Epilepsy is the most common of chronic neurological disorders, 10 times more common than multiple sclerosis and 100 times then motor neuron diseases. According to O. Devinsky, J.K. Penry (1993), the disappearance of seizures significantly improves patients lifestyle – whey can work, drive. Their self-esteem, social, and personal life is ameliorated, the traumatic sudden death in patients with epilepsy and the risk of depressions and other mood disorders is decreased. In addition, the studies by B. J. Steinhoff, K. Neussiss (1996), have proven that people with epilepsy suffer from passive lifestyle, are physically inactive, which causes health problems and poorer lifestyle. Most people with epilepsy, physical activity is rarely recommended. Whether it is for parents, relatives or medical restrictions, the fact remains that people with epilepsy are much less physically active than people free from the disease. Hypothesis - physical activity is likely to improve the lifestyle of people with epilepsy. The aim of the research is to identify the physical activity of people with epilepsy, peculiarities of their lifestyle and determinative factors. Objectives: 1. To determine the physical activity of people with epilepsy. 2. To observe the well-being of people with epilepsy, their physical and emotional challenges in daily activities. 3. To analyse the factors wich stimulate physical activity of people with epilepsy. 4. To determine whether physical activity improves lifestyle of people with epilepsy. Conclusions 1. On the average, during the last seven days patients with epilepsy were engaged in intensive physical activity only 4,06 ± 1,68 times. The least active were 30-39 year olds, while the most active respondents belong to the 20-29 year old group which during the same period were engaged in intensive physical activity 4,48 ± 1,68 times. During the last seven days 40-49 years were walking the most and 20-29 years old respondents - the least. 37 proc. of respondents of the youngest age group regularly jogged or rode a bicycle. 2. The key factors stimulating physical activity of people with epilepsy of all age groups were the approval of physicians and support of friends and relatives. Moreover, the majority of the respondents stated that one of the main incentive factors is the proper, sufficient information and advertising about various kinds of physical activities for epilepsy patients. 3. The majority of respondent’s assessed difficulties while lifting and carrying shopping, worries about the injuries as slightly limiting or completely unlimiting factor. The most concerned about memory problems were the representatives 50-59 years. The majority of 20-29 and 30-39 year old respondents tend to worry about social restraints. The least worried about social problems are the oldest respondents. The groups of 20-29 and 30-39 years old respondents are the least worried about the physical effects of anti epileptic drugs. 4. It was determined that respondents, who assessed their lifestyle as excellent or good enough, were more physically active than those who assessed the lifestyle sufficiently bad or very bad. The youngest respondents suffering from epilepsy assessed their lifestyle better than older once. It was also found that the form of leisure in all ages influences the lifestyle. Respondent who had better assessment of their lifestyle, were less concerned about the long-term use of medicine possibly harming their health. The main reasons why people with epilepsy lead an inactive lifestyle and are physically inactive is the lack of knowledge about the most appropriate type of physical activities and medical opposition/disapproval