Exercise program on the health of people with epilepsy: protocol of a randomized controlled trial study

ABSTRACT

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to describe an experimental protocol to evaluate how a structured exercise program can impact on the health of people with epilepsy. Methods: For this purpose, a randomized control trial will be conducted in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil. Participants will be randomized into two groups: 1) Control- maintain usual activities, and 2) Exercise- a structured exercise program, with two 60-minute sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The intervention will be composed by warm-up (5-minutes), moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (15-20 minutes, performed on a treadmill), resistance training (2-3 sets, 10-15 repetitions), and 5-minutes of stretching exercises. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical information, cognitive function, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, hip and waist circumferences), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and strength (dynamometer) will be measured at baseline and 12-week post-intervention. Participants will receive a diary to record their seizures throughout the study. Results: A structured exercise program is expected to generate beneficial health effects, and the results can assist in health professionals' clinical practice for people with epilepsy.