Abstracts

Rationale:
People with epilepsy are typically physically inactive despite the known physical and psychological health benefits of exercise. Cognitive deficits, common in epilepsy, may potentially be mitigated by exercise. There is growing interest in the effects of exercise on cognition in epilepsy. Thus, we conducted a questionnaire study to better understand factors that may influence willingness of patients with epilepsy to participate in a research study that examines effects of exercise on cognition.
Method:
A waiver of informed consent was granted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board to conduct the survey in 100 adults with epilepsy. Medical records review was conducted to identify adult patients with epilepsy to contact for the survey, either to approach in person at their upcoming outpatient epilepsy clinic visit, or to contact over the phone. Patients admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit who received a diagnosis of epilepsy were also approached for participation. Participants completed a short questionnaire asking if they would be willing to participate in a research study to determine whether a 6-week exercise program in patients with epilepsy can help improve cognitive functions. The questionnaire included options describing reasons for willingness to participate in an exercise clinical trial, in addition to options related to why it would be difficult to participate despite willingness. For those who indicated they were not interested in participating in an exercise clinical trial, options were provided related to lack of interest. Participants were allowed to select more than one reason for their choice, in addition to being able to provide open-ended comments regarding their interest or lack of interest in participating in an exercise research study. Results62 female (mean age 40 ± 15) and 38 male (mean age 39 ± 15) adults with epilepsy participated in this study. The majority completed the survey over the phone (n=56). Of those who completed the survey in person, 14 were from the outpatient epilepsy clinic and 30 were from the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Overall, 69% answered “yes” to being willing to participate in a 6-week exercise program, with similar proportions of males (71%) and females (68%) willing to enroll in such a study. The top 2 reasons provided by those willing to participate were they “would like to improve overall health with exercise” (70%), and “willing to test if exercise can improve cognition” (60%). The top 2 reasons provided by those willing but think it would be difficult to participate were they “do not have a reliable source of transportation” (41%), and “work full time” (35%). Over half of those not willing to enroll in the exercise study indicated they were “not interested in research participation” (55%).
Conclusion:
A majority of adults with epilepsy are interested in participating in a 6-week exercise program to examine effects of exercise on cognition. Results of our survey highlight potential barriers to participant recruitment and study participation that should be considered in a prospective exercise clinical trial in epilepsy.
Funding:
:N/A