A comparison of physical fitness between children with epilepsy and healthy peers

Sirtbas, G., A comparison of physical fitness between children with epilepsy and healthy peers, Hacettepe University, Institute of Health Sciences, Master of Sciences Thesis in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, 2018. No study in the literature comparing physical fitness levels of epileptic children with their healthy peers. The purpose of this study was to determine physical fitness and activity levels in epileptic children and compare physical fitness and activity levels between children with epilepsy and healthy peers. Sixteen children with epilepsy and 15 healthy peers aged from 6-12 years were enrolled in the study. Demographic and physical characteristics of children were recorded. Abdominal muscle strength and endurance, upper trunk muscle strength and endurance, trunk and lower extremity flexibility, balance, body composition, physical activity level and quality of life were assessed. Demographics and physical characteristics of children with epilepsy and healthy peers were similar (p>0.05). Balance, back muscle strength and flexibility, physical activity level and quality of life were significantly lower in children with epilepsy than those of healthy peers (p<0.05). Abdominal muscle strength and endurance, upper trunk muscle strength and endurance, lower extremity flexibility and body composition were similar in children with epilepsy and healthy peers (p> 0.05). As a result, children with epilepsy have a sedentary lifestyle compared to their healthy peers and this has resulted in a negative effect on the physical fitness level in childhood. Epileptic children, their families and health professionals should be informed in terms of physical activity and epileptic children oriented to physical activity from a small age.