Exercise Testing in People with Epilepsy: Feasibility and Safety Concerns

Strategic Insights -

Research suggests that individuals with epilepsy (PWE) are often encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, but some may experience exercise-associated seizures (EAS). A recent study conducted at the University of Paderborn aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of exhaustive exercise testing in PWE. The study involved 29 patients who underwent exhaustive exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer, with resting state EEG recorded before and after exercise. The results indicated that EEG changes, including subclinical electrographic seizures and interictal epileptiform discharges, occurred in some patients, particularly during non-REM sleep.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study suggests that exhaustive exercise testing can be feasible in PWE, but safety protocols need to be established, especially for patients with a history of EAS.
  • EEG investigations before and after exercise revealed changes in patients with and without EAS, with some patients experiencing subclinical seizures or interictal discharges.
  • The study's results emphasize the importance of investigating a larger number of PWE with and without EAS to determine the clinical utility of exercise-associated EEGs for counseling patients.
  • Franziska van den Bongard and Catharina Petersen, researchers at the University of Paderborn, are the lead authors of the study.
  • Claus Reinsberger, a researcher at the University of Paderborn, also contributed to the study.

Statistics:

  • 29 patients with epilepsy participated in the study, undergoing exhaustive exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer.
  • 1 patient with a history of EAS experienced a seizure immediately after exercising.
  • 2 patients with EAS revealed interictal epileptiform discharges after exercise.
  • 1 patient without EAS experienced an asymptomatic subclinical electrographic seizure after exercise.
  • The study's findings highlight the need for safety protocols and further research investigating the relationship between exercise and epilepsy.

Sources:

  • "Safety and feasibility of exhaustive exercise testing for people with epilepsy." Epilepsy & Behavior Reports, 2025, 30():100762.
  • University of Paderborn.