Physical Activity and Sport in Epilepsy: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.70.74592Keywords
epilepsy, seizures, physical activity, exercise, sport, quality of life, risk stratificationAbstract
Background. Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders, affecting more than 70 million people worldwide. People with epilepsy have historically been discouraged from sport through fear and overprotection rather than evidence, and remain less physically active than the general population.
Aim. To synthesise current evidence on physical activity and sport in people with epilepsy and to translate it into practical, risk-stratified guidance for safe participation.
Material and methods. A narrative review of MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted, prioritising guidelines, systematic reviews, randomised trials, and mechanistic studies; the ILAE Task Force consensus provided the risk-stratification framework.
Results. Regular exercise rarely provokes seizures and may raise the seizure threshold; randomised and meta-analytic data show improved quality of life, fitness, mood, and cognition, with a neutral-to-favourable effect on seizure frequency. The ILAE stratifies sports into three risk categories, enabling individualised eligibility decisions. Knowledge gaps, stigma, and structural barriers still limit participation.
Conclusions. For most people with epilepsy the benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks; individualised, risk-stratified counselling rather than blanket restriction should be standard care
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