Issue 6-10, 2020

Review article

https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2020-100-6-81-91

Mechanisms of Action and Safety of Exercise in Patients with Epilepsy (Review)

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1 ORCIDPetrov K.V., 1 ORCIDPetrova M.M., 1,2 ORCIDShnayder N.A., 2 ORCIDNasyrova R.F.

1 Voyno-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
2 Bekhterev National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation


ABSTRACT

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a common form of genetic generalized epilepsy. The patients’ intellect and physical developmentare not affected. However, epilepsy is characterized by a high level of social stigmatization. This is the reason for unjustified restrictionsand low physical activity of patients. The review examines the mechanisms of action of exercise on the brain in epilepsy, including thebenefits of exercise for preventing seizures. Physical activity in epilepsy provides mechanisms for protecting neurons associated withbiochemical and structural changes, including the release of β-endorphins and neurosteroids, which can have an inhibitory effecton the occurrence of abnormal (paroxysmal) electrical activity in the brain. Epileptiform activity on the electroencephalogram maydecrease or disappear during exercise, which may reduce the risk of recurrent epileptic seizures. Although exercise can cause epilepticseizures in some patients, the risk is less than 2–10% or lower in JME. Rehabilitation programs that promote exercise in adolescents andyoung patients with epilepsy should aim to improve their physical, psychological, and social well-being.


KEYWORDS: epilepsy, Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME), physical exercise, physical training, physical activity, sport, efficacy, safety, quality of life, electroencephalography

FOR CITATION: Petrov K.V., Petrova M.M., Shnayder N.A., Nasyrova R.F. Mechanisms of Action and Safety of Exercise in Patients with Epilepsy (Review). Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2020; 6 (100): 81–91. https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2020-100-6-81-91


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