Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder characterized by seizures. Beside seizures people suffering from epilepsy experience several challenges related to education, work and everyday life such as learning-, problem-solving-, memory-, concentration-, attention difficulties and fatigue. It is generally approved that physical activity (PA) has a positive effect on physical as well as mental factors. However, people with epilepsy are found to be less active and PA is rarely offered or recommended as supplement to anti-epileptic medical treatment. Few studies have investigated the effect of PA in subjects with epilepsy and additional studies of high methodical quality are needed to enable evidence-based information and counselling. This study is carried through as a randomized controlled trial which investigates the effect of participation in a 10-week cardio exercise program in people with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy aged 15-50. The study hypothesis is that participation in a 10-week cardio exercise program will induce a positive change in cognitive function (concentration and attention) and possibly in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In addition it is expected that the intensity and duration of the 10-week cardio exercise program is sufficient to cause changes in physiological parameters related to a reduced risk of lifestyle diseases.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Participation in a 10-week supervised cardio exercise program two-three times a week. Each training session consists of 10 minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes treadmill run/walk and 30 minutes cycling. Heart rate (HR) is monitored during each session. Week 1-5: at least 15 minutes above 75% of HRmax in each session. Week 6-10: at least one session above 75% HRmax.
Center of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark
Odense, Region Syddanmark, Denmark
RECRUITINGEpilepsy clinic, Odense University Hospital
Odense, Region Syddanmark, Denmark
RECRUITINGCognitive function (concentration and attention)
To assess cognitive function the following tests are used: Connor's Continuous Performance Test (CPT II), Trail Making Test part A and part B, Digit Symbol Modalities Test
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
physical fitness
To assess physical fitness the following test are used: Wattmax test
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
The chronic level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is assessed in fasting blood samples. The acute level of serum BDNF is assessed in blood samples drawn immediately after completed wattmax test.
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period (chronic and acute)
Bone mineral density
To assess bone mineral density the following test is used: DEXA-scanning
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
Thyroidea Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
The level of serum Thyroidea Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is assessed in fasting blood samples.
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
Insulin
The level of insulin is assessed in fasting blood samples.
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
Glucose
The level of glucose is assessed in fasting blood samples
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
Lipids
The levels of lipids are assessed in fasting blood samples.
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
C-reactive-protein
The level of c-reactive-protein is assessed in fasting blood samples.
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
Seizure frequency
Seizure frequency is assessed by a neurologist using a standard seizure calender.
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
Blood pressure
Time frame: Before and after a 10-week intervention period
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