Daytime and nocturnal activity in treated dogs with idiopathic epilepsy compared to matched unaffected controls.

BACKGROUND: In dogs, antiepileptic drugs (AED) cause lethargy but quantitative data regarding the effects of AED on activity levels are not available, and little is known about how AEDs affect sleep quality. OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively compare activity levels and nocturnal activity in dogs previously diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) receiving AEDs compared to age- and breed-matched control dogs. ANIMALS: Sixty-two dogs with IE and 310 control dogs. METHODS: This is a 3-month prospective parallel observational study. An activity monitoring device for dogs was used to measure daily activity levels and sleep scores in all dogs. RESULTS: Dogs with IE treated with AEDs had an 18% average lower baseline activity level compared to control dogs (P = .005; point estimate = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.90). The combination of phenobarbital and potassium bromide (KBr) was associated with an average 28% decrease in activity in dogs with IE compared to control dogs (P = .03; point estimate = 0.72; CI, 0.62-0.82). Mean sleep scores were not significantly different in dogs with IE receiving AEDs compared to control dogs (P = .43). However, higher dosages of KBr were associated with lower sleep scores (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Dogs with IE receiving AEDs have lower activity levels, but no difference in sleep scores, compared to controls. The combination of phenobarbital and KBr had the largest decrease in activity between groups. Higher doses of KBr may affect nocturnal activity in epileptic dogs.

Examining adherence to activity monitoring devices to improve physical activity in adults with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Activity monitoring devices are currently being used to facilitate and monitor physical activity. No prior review has examined adherence to the use of activity monitoring devices amongst adults with cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Literature from June 2012 to October 2017 was evaluated to examine the extent of adherence to any activity monitoring device used to collect objective physical activity data. Randomized control trials comparing usual care against the use of an activity monitoring device, in a community intervention for adults from any cardiovascular diagnostic group, were included. A systematic search of databases and clinical trials registers was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. RESULTS: Of 10 eligible studies, two studies reported pedometer use and eight accelerometer use. Six studies addressed the primary outcome. Mean adherence was 59.1% (range 39.6% to 85.7%) at last follow-up. Studies lacked equal representation by gender (28.6% female) and age (range 42 to 82 years). CONCLUSION: This review indicates that current research on activity monitoring devices may be overstated due to the variability in adherence. Results showed that physical activity tracking in women and in young adults have been understudied.