“One size does not fit all” – Barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in adolescents with epilepsy

Objective: To explore the barriers to physical activity and to identify the support needed to facilitate physical activity in adolescents with epilepsy (AWE). 

Methods: AWE (aged 11–16 years) and their caregivers completed survey-based open questions regarding perceived barriers to, and facilitators of physical activity in young people with epilepsy. The responses were analysed using Thematic Analysis. 

Results: Themes concerning barriers to physical activity included concerns about seizure safety, general anxiety and anxiety related to seizures, stigma/negative attitudes associated with having epilepsy, tiredness, and perceived lack of physical competence. Themes regarding the support needed to facilitate physical activity included better education amongst staff/coaches about epilepsy (e.g., seizure management/prevention, associated fatigue/tiredness), improvements in societal attitudes towards epilepsy, flexibility/tailoring of activities to the child's needs (e.g., need for breaks), and peer support for young people with epilepsy to encourage engagement in physical activity. 

Conclusions: There is a perception among AWE and caregivers, that significant barriers exist with regard to engaging in physical activity for young people with epilepsy. Barriers are related to concerns about seizure management but also wider safety and social issues. A number of facilitators were identified to promote physical activity engagement in AWE, including education for staff and caregivers, peer support, and tailoring activities to the adolescent's needs. There is a need to develop interventions to reduce barriers to physical activity in young people with epilepsy.