Trends and disparities in the prevalence of physical activity among US adults with epilepsy, 2010–2022

Background: Physical activity may be associated with health benefits for people with epilepsy. It remains unclear how the prevalence of physical activity has changed at a national level over the years and whether this prevalence varies between subgroups. Methods: The National Health and Interview Survey, which was conducted from 2010 to 2017 and again in 2022, was used for our nationally representative study. This study explored the trends and disparities in meeting physical activity guidelines among US individuals with epilepsy and non-epilepsy adults. Results: The prevalence of adults with epilepsy meeting physical activity guidelines was consistently lower and remained unchanged compared to those without epilepsy. Among the population with epilepsy, the prevalence of aerobic physical activity was 38.1 % (95 % CI, 32.6 %-43.5 %) in 2010 and 39.0 % (95 % CI, 33.4 %-44.7 %) in 2017 (P for trend = 0.84), and remained unchanged in 2022 (39.1 %). For muscle-strength training, the prevalence was 17.5 % (95 % CI, 13.3 %–21.7 %) in 2010 and 18.8 % (95 % CI, 14.8 %–22.8 %) in 2017 (P for trend = 0.82). The prevalence for both activities combined was 12.4 % (95 % CI, 8.7 %–16.2 %) in 2010 and 16.6 % (95 % CI, 12.8 %–20.5 %) in 2017 (P for trend = 0.26). The prevalence of aerobic physical activity varied by educational attainment, body mass index, comorbid conditions, alcohol-drinking status, and epilepsy status. Conclusion: This study suggests that the adherence rate to meeting physical activity guidelines among US adults with epilepsy was at a low level and had not improved over time. This finding highlights the need for additional nationwide efforts to promote physical activity in the US population with epilepsy.