The Feasibility and Impact of the EMOVE Intervention on Self-efficacy and Outcome Expectations for Exercise in Epilepsy

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of the self-efficacy based Epilepsy-Motivate and Outcome Expectations for Vigorous Exercise (EMOVE) intervention and report on the preliminary efficacy of this intervention aimed at improving exercise behaviors in adults with epilepsy. Methods: A single-group, repeated-measures design was used in 30 outpatients. Data were collected at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention. Participant outcomes included Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations for Exercise in Epilepsy, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31, seizure frequency, average daily steps, and body mass index. Daily number of steps was measured using a wrist-worn activity monitor. Feasibility data were assessed using evidence of treatment fidelity including intervention delivery, receipt, and enactment. Results: Participants were single (63%), white (53%), female (63%), had a mean (SD) age of 46.7 (13) years (range, 26-68 years), had low levels of self-efficacy (mean, 5.10; range, 0-10) and high outcome expectations (mean, 3.90; range, 0-5), took under the recommended 10 000 steps per day (mean, 5107), and had an average of 6 seizures per month. Postintervention testing showed statistical improvement in depressive symptoms (mean [SD], 9.95 [9.47]; P < .05). There were no significant differences found for the other study outcomes. Our study showed the EMOVE intervention was feasible. Study participants had improved depressive symptoms. Future research should focus on increasing the sample size, improving exercise performance through group or individualized exercise sessions, and adding a control group to better evaluate the relationship between the intervention and improved depressive symptoms.