Association between physical fitness levels and quality of life in people with epilepsy

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of physical fitness with mental health scores in persons with epilepsy from India. Methods: One hundred and fifty three consecutive persons with epilepsy with seizures controlled on optimal AED dosages for the last two years, aged 18–60 formed study population. Data was collected included demographics, seizure control. Relevant data on QOL was be collected through a self-reported quality of life questionnaire, the SF-12 from which Physical component scores (PCS) and Mental component scores (MCS) were derived. Physical fitness evaluation included: Body mass index, supervised six minute walk test and stepper test. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 25.5±9.6 years with 82(53.5%) men. The mean body mass index was 29.6±6.4. The average distance walked in six minute walk test was 387.0 ± 73.8 meters and the average on a stepper test in a minute was 28.1 ± 9.2 steps. The average score on PCS of SF-12 questionnaire was 46.3 ± 7.7 and on MCS was 45.8 ± 10.4. There was no significant correlation between score on MCS and the measured physical fitness variables. However, both distance walked in six minute walk test and performance on stepper test showed significant correlation with PCS. Conclusion: Simple tests like six minute walk test, one-minute stepper test may help to determine physical fitness scores in people with epilepsy. Although the current study did not show an association between mental and physical fitness scores, further robust trials are required to evaluate the same.