title: Physical exercise in epilepsy: what kind of stressor is it?
abstract: Stress has been considered the most frequently self-reported precipitant of seizures in people with epilepsy. The literature documents that physical stress, that is, physical exercise, can have beneficial effects in people with epilepsy. In view of evidence indicating that sensitivity to stress is reduced after a physical exercise program, physical activity could be a potential candidate for stress reduction in people with epilepsy. This review considers how physical exercise could contribute to reduce seizure susceptibility and, hence, seizure frequency. Possible mechanisms by which exercise can be beneficial for people with epilepsy are highlighted. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis adaptation, neurotransmitter system modulation, and metabolic and neuroendocrine changes may interfere with seizure susceptibility. The psychological stress of different sports activities is an important concern that must also be taken into account. Overall, among stress reduction therapies for the treatment of seizures, exercise might be a potential candidate.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil. arida.nexp@epm.br
authors.forename: Ricardo M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Arida
authors.forename: Fulvio A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Scorza
authors.forename: Vera C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Terra
authors.forename: Carla A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Scorza
authors.forename: Antonio-Carlos
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: de Almeida
authors.forename: Esper A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Cavalheiro
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids