Physical activity and exercise in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Objectives: In the last decade significant research has focused on the relationship between physical activity (PA), exercise and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this study is to provide an overview and interpretation of different studies regarding this subject.

Methods: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for English articles published before August 21, 2017. Search terms were 'Sleep Apnea, Obstructive' and 'Exercise'.

Results: Low levels of PA are associated with higher odds of OSA. A negative correlation between PA level and OSA severity is shown, even after adjusting for baseline differences. OSA also impairs the aerobic exercise capacity significantly. OSA patients have a poor hemodynamic response to exercise, which is related to OSA severity. Findings on the influence of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on PA in OSA are inconsistent in terms of statistical significance. A regular and predominantly aerobic exercise training significantly reduces OSA severity, even without a significant decrease in body weight.

Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that further research is necessary to explore the relationships between PA, exercise and OSA and to examine the efficacy of exercise as alternative or additional treatment for OSA.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea; continuous positive airway pressure; exercise; exercise capacity; physical activity.