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Impact of Absence Seizures on Physical Activity Levels in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

M. Gnazzo, Valentina Baldini, M. Carotenuto, Giulia Pisanò, G. Messina, Fiorenzo Moscatelli, M. Ruberto

Children, 2025

125 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is essential for the physical and psychological development of children, contributing to both fitness and overall well-being. However, children with neurological conditions such as childhood absence seizures (CAE), a type of epilepsy characterized by brief episodes of impaired consciousness, may face barriers to participating in regular physical activities. This limitation can negatively affect their quality of life, motor coordination, and cognitive function. Despite this, there is limited research focusing on the physical activity levels of children with absence seizures in comparison to healthy children. Methods: This study aims to compare physical activity levels in children with absence seizures and healthy controls, using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), a validated tool for assessing children’s engagement in physical activity. The sample included 125 children with absence seizures and 125 healthy controls. The study also assessed anxious–depressive traits using the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI-2) and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-2). Additionally, seizure frequency and severity were documented for the seizure group, and the impact of different treatment regimens (levetiracetam, valproate, lamotrigine) was explored. Results: The results revealed that children with absence seizures exhibited lower physical activity levels compared to healthy children, although the difference did not…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 125 participants or records.

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