title: Feasibility of pedometer use to assess physical activity and its relationship with quality of life in children with epilepsy: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Children and youth with epilepsy have lower rates of self-reported and parent-reported physical activity as well as quality of life when compared with their peers. Increased physical activity may be associated with improved health and quality of life in children and youth with epilepsy through biopsychosocial mechanisms; however, supportive evidence is lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility of pedometer use-an objective method-to assess daily steps and ability to complete quality of life-related questionnaires in children and youth with epilepsy. Feasibility was determined by percentage of study completion and participant enjoyment of physical activity in the form of walking as determined by the Childhood Self Adequacy and Predilection in Physical Activity. Secondary measures included the KidScreen 27 Quality of Life questionnaire, Childhood Depression Index, Body Mass Index, Harter's Self Perception Scale, and Parental Stress Index.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Eight of 12 eligible participants completed the study. Step counts ranged from 266 to 17,220 steps per day. Seven participants found physical activity enjoyable regardless of step count, suggesting they would be amenable to participate in a future physical activity program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University and McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Robyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Whitney
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bhan
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Persadie
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Streiner
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Timmons
authors.forename: Gabriel M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Ronen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: childhood epilepsy; health promotion; pedometer use; physical activity; quality of life; walking program