Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turkiye Klinikleri Pediatri, cilt.34, sa.1, ss.27-34, 2025 (Scopus)
From past to present, epilepsy, a long-term neurological condition marked by recurrent unprovoked seizures, has been linked to limitations in physical activity. Despite the proven benefits of exercise or physical activity in children with epilepsy, unfounded beliefs and misinformation, such as the idea that physical activity can trigger seizures or is dangerous for children with epilepsy, can influence attitudes of families and children about it, potentially leading to reduced participation in physical activities. The International League Against Epilepsy recommends physical activity for individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, highlighting that the benefits outweigh the risks. In 2016, the International League Against Epilepsy supported safe participation in sports for individuals with epilepsy, categorizing sports by their potential risk of injury or death during a seizure: minimal, moderate, or high risk. Swimming, water skiing, and sailing should be approached with caution and preferably conducted under supervision. For sports like bicycle racing, horseback riding, and gymnastics should be considered according to individual characteristics. Aerobic exercise is generally recommended for nearly all individuals with epilepsy. When recommending physical activity, it is important to consider the benefit/risk ratio, personal characteristics, seizure characteristics, and the nature of the physical activity. Physical activity can potentially reduce seizure frequency, improve mood and cognitive function, enhance overall physical health, and mitigate comorbidities which might result from epilepsy or its treatment, such as obesity and decreased bone quality. Therefore, children and adolescents should be encouraged to participate in sports activities at school or in recreational settings, while taking into account the associated risk classifications.