Effectiveness of Reaction Time Training & Physical Exercises on Rt & Quality of Life of Epileptics-A Case Series

Aim: To study Effectiveness of Reaction time training & physical exercises on RT & quality of life of Epileptics- a case series.

Objectives: Finding the effect of RT training & physical exercises on Reaction time (RT) & quality of life (QOL) in Complex partial seizures (CPS)

Methodology: 4 subjects (OPD patients,OT dept KEMH) age 20-40 yrs, of Refractory CPS with or without secondary generalization with atleast three years of period of onset were included in a 4 week study. The Outcome was measured on RT machine, WHO BREF QOL questionnaire, Mini Mental status examination (MMSE) & neurological evaluation. Pre & post intervention changes were assessed with RT machine & WHO BREF QOL questionnaire. The Occupational therapy intervention consisted of 30-45 mins of training on 1) RT simulated machine & activities & 2)physical activities twice a week with home programme.

Results: The (paired) t value of post intervention RT is 4.0691 (significant at p=0.05). The (paired) t values of differences in individual domain scores for physical domain =23.0638 (significant at p=0.001),psychological =5.6949 (significant at p=0.02) & social =3.4762 ((significant at p=0.05). The study suggests a definite avenue for OT intervention in patients with epilepsy.

Conclusion: RT & QOL can be improved using RT training & Physical exercises. However a study has to be done on larger sample size with a longer follow up to confirm the efficacy of the study.