Effects of Pilates on patients with drug-resistant epilepsy

Research Assistant

Not applicable Interventional Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital · NCT06754124

This study tests if doing Pilates can help people with drug-resistant epilepsy feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorRecep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rize, Güneysu)
Trial IDNCT06754124 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of Pilates training on patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy. It includes 40 participants who will be randomly assigned to either a Pilates group, receiving training three times a week for eight weeks, or a control group continuing their routine drug treatment. The study aims to assess various outcomes including seizure frequency, cognitive functions, balance, and quality of life. Measurements will be taken using a variety of tests and scales to evaluate the effectiveness of Pilates in improving these areas.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 diagnosed with idiopathic refractory epilepsy who can walk independently and have not participated in a regular exercise program.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those with significant cardiovascular or orthopedic issues, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological intervention to improve the quality of life and reduce seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on Pilates for epilepsy, similar exercise interventions have shown positive outcomes in improving quality of life and cognitive function in other chronic conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being between the ages of 18-65
* Being diagnosed with idiopathic refractory epilepsy by a specialist neurologist
* Not having had status epilepticus for 1 year before the study
* Being able to walk independently
* Not having participated in a regular exercise program
* Having a Standardized Mini Mental Test score greater than 24
* Antiepileptic drug doses being stable during the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of any diagnosed neurological or neuropsychiatric disease other than epilepsy
* Presence of any cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic or other medical conditions that would limit participation in the study
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Rize, Güneysu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions EpilepsyCognitive DysfunctionSeizuresQuality of LifeSleepDepression
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.