Low levels of maximal aerobic power impair the profile of mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHOD Individuals with TLE (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (C, n = 20) were evaluated. Self-rating questionnaires were used to assess mood (POMS) and habitual physical activity (BAECKE). Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by a maximal incremental test. RESULTS People with TLE presented lower cardiorespiratory fitness; higher levels of mood disorders; and lower levels of vigor when compared to control health subjects. A significant negative correlation was observed between the levels of tension-anxiety and maximal aerobic power. CONCLUSION Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may modify the health status of individuals with TLE and it may be considered a risk factor for the development of mood disorders.