Abstract
Introduction
Narcolepsy can significantly impact the physical and mental wellbeing of people with narcolepsy, and has been associated with significant reductions in quality of life and physical performance. People with narcolepsy demonstrate many barriers to being physically fit and active, such as sleepiness and social isolation. Despite physical functioning and vitality being the most affected domains of health-related quality of life in this cohort, little is known about how physical performance variables are affected in people with narcolepsy.
Methods
This cross-sectional study profiled the physical performance of adults with narcolepsy attending the Narcolepsy Centre located in St. James’s Hospital. Participants underwent a physical performance test battery that investigated cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity, muscle strength and endurance. Furthermore, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), symptom severity and sedentary behaviour was ascertained through self-report questionnaires.
Results
A total of 23 participants were recruited in this study. The majority of participants were female (n=13, 56.52%) and the mean age was 31.53 (± 13.17) years. Physical performance was generally found to be lower than age-and-gender matched normative values for cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity and muscle strength and endurance. Participants’ completed 42.20 ± 21.41 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity daily as measured by actigraphy. Considerable sedentary behaviour was objectively measured in this sample (10.21 hours). Symptom severity was high as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Narcolepsy Severity Scale, and participants reported reduced quality of life when compared to general population norms (US, UK, France and Norway).
Conclusion
Markedly reduced physical performance was identified in this sample of people with narcolepsy, irrespective of participant age, gender and BMI. Future research should explore the role of exercise in improving the physical fitness in people with narcolepsy, and the influence of exercise on HRQoL and symptom severity in this cohort.
Support (if any)
This study was completed as part of Mr Ragy Tadrous’ Master of Science (MSc) degree in Trinity College Dublin. This degree was co-sponsored by the Physiotherapy Department in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin.
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