Exercise & Epilepsy Research Study
Help uncover the effects of exercise on memory and the brain. Join our compensated study today!
Fast Facts
Ages 18-65
Diagnosed with Epilepsy
Compensation Up to $970
Conducted in Birmingham, AL
Study Background
Exercise has been shown to improve overall health in many people, including those with epilepsy. However, exercise effects on memory in people with epilepsy are unclear. The goals of this study are to determine in adults with generalized epilepsy:
- if 6 weeks of exercise training improves memory;
- what changes in the brain may be responsible for improvements;
- if the benefits and brain changes last for 6 weeks after completing the exercise training
Participants will perform supervised exercise training for 6 weeks, three times per week, at the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine exercise facility.
Your participation will help uncover the effects of exercise on memory and the brain in people with epilepsy. Join our compensated study today!
This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04959019).
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to investigate memory and brain changes with exercise training in people with epilepsy.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-55
- Diagnosed with idiopathic generalized epilepsy OR uncertain about the specific epilepsy type
- Able to attend in-person visits 3 times per week at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Able to participate in combined endurance and resistance training
Exclusion Criteria:
- Exercise regulary
- Pregnant or planning to be
- Have other major medical or neurological conditions
- Active suicidal thoughts
- A physical exam by an epilepsy specialist (Visit 1 screening only)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain (not for clinical use)
- Assessment of memory and other cognitive abilities
- Assessment of daily physical activities
- recording of brain signals using electroencephalography (EEG)
- Exercise tests, including strength tests
Study visits can be split into 2-3 session days for flexible scheduling, and some assessments may be performed over the phone.
Participants will also complete 18 sessions of supervised exercise training for 6 weeks (3 sessions/week) at our exercise facility.
Transportation may be available if needed if you are located within 60 miles from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Compensation is provided up to $795 or $970 for your time, depending on which group you are randomly placed in.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.