Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between fitness and health-related
quality of life (HRQoL) in children with idiopathic epilepsy compared with a healthy
matched control group.
Methods In this study, 107 children conducted a 6-minute walk test, anthropometric parameters
were measured, and HRQoL was assessed using a standardized questionnaire (KINDL-R).
Children were divided into two groups: (1) the patient group (n = 48) and (2) the healthy control group (n = 59).
Results HRQoL of children with focal epilepsy was greater when compared with healthy children
and children with generalized epilepsy. A significant association could be demonstrated
for the 6-minute walk distance and mental wellbeing in children with epilepsy but
not in healthy children. Furthermore, a negative correlation between the HRQoL and
the amount of time spent in front of TV and computer in children with epilepsy and
healthy children was seen. In children with focal epilepsy, a significant negative
correlation could be shown between school sport and mental wellbeing as well as between
school sport and self-esteem.
Conclusion HRQoL in children with idiopathic epilepsy is significantly associated with physical
fitness and might be positively influenced by an adequate education of patients and
parents, a reduction of consumption of computer and TV in combination with age- and
disease-adapted physical activity and sports.
Keywords
epilepsy - children - sports - health-related quality of life
