PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week structured exercise training program in individuals with seizure disorders, and to determine whether positive changes were maintained 4 weeks after the training program ended. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants were randomized to either supervised exercise group or the control group. Patients in the exercise group engaged in cardiovascular and resistance training three times per week for approximately 1 hour for 12 weeks. Patients in the control group were instructed to maintain their current level of activity throughout the study. All patients underwent baseline physiological, behavioural, and clinical evaluation and were revaluated upon completion of the 12-week study and again after 4 weeks after the training program was completed. RESULTS: A total of 23 individuals completed the study. For the exercise group, baseline strength, peak oxygen consumption, and endurance time significantly increased from baseline to posttest evaluation at 12 weeks. Percent body fat also decreased significantly. There were no significant changes over time in any of the physiological or lipid variables for the control group. Also, as measured by the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall, for the exercise group, posttest and follow-up very-hard activity was significantly greater than at baseline. The exercise group also exhibited significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels after the 12-week training program. CONCLUSION: A 12-week exercise training program can result in several positive health and fitness related outcomes for persons with epilepsy.

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