Exercise as a therapeutic strategy in epilepsy: a literature review

Introduction. Epilepsy is a common neurologic disease with emotional and physical consequences. Thirty percent of patients have drug-resistant epilepsy, therefore adjuvant non-pharmacological therapies, such as physical activity, have been proposed. Aim. This study reviews the literature about physical activity in people with epilepsy, to evaluate the benefits, potential side effects, impact on comorbidities, the risk classification of sports, and the barriers to their practice. Development. Multiple animal and human models evaluate the benefits of exercise in epilepsy, explained by modulation on neurotransmitters, hormones, and neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, exercise demonstrates positive impact on comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and osteoporosis. Despite being a practice that has been shown to be safe, people with epilepsy are less physically active due to barriers that limit their practice. Conclusions. Physical activity is beneficial and safe for people with epilepsy. Literature suggests better control of seizures, psychosocial benefits, and improvements on the comorbidities. There is a low risk of injury associated. Exercise should be promoted after a careful clinical evaluation, considering seizure control in the last year, potential triggering factors and the sport chosen.