Prevalence and Patterns of Physical Inactivity and Temporomandibular Joint Involvement in Epileptic Patients

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is frequently accompanied by reduced physical activity and under-recognized musculoskeletal sequelae, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which may adversely affect functional health and quality of life. Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution patterns of physical inactivity and temporomandibular joint involvement among young adults with epilepsy attending tertiary care neurology outpatient departments in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months using non-probability consecutive sampling. Adults aged 18–30 years with clinician-confirmed epilepsy were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) for physical activity (MET-min/week and activity category), and the TMD Pain Screener (long form) and Fonseca Anamnestic Index for pain-related TMD and overall TMD severity, respectively. Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. Results: A total of 139 participants were included (mean age 23.82±3.74 years; 56.1% male). Mean GPAQ physical activity was 931.59±566.19 MET-min/week (range 0–2740). Low physical activity was present in 30.9% (n=43) and moderate activity in 69.1% (n=96), with no participants classified as highly active. Pain-related TMD screened positive in 24.5% (n=34). Fonseca severity categories were no TMD 10.8% (n=15), mild 71.9% (n=100), moderate 15.8% (n=22), and severe 1.4% (n=2). Conclusion: Young adults with epilepsy demonstrated substantial physical inactivity and a high burden of TMD symptoms, predominantly mild, supporting the need for routine screening and multidisciplinary management