Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sports-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to analyze and compare the effects of physical activity on patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and various health complications. Methods: A systematic and strategic search of 16 peer-reviewed articles was conducted to assess the impact of different types of physical exercise on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a key metric used to quantify the severity of OSA. The selected studies focused on two main exercise modalities: aerobic exercise alone and a combination of aerobic and resistance training. These modalities were examined to determine their respective influences on the AHI among individuals with OSA. Results: The findings revealed that aerobic exercise alone did not significantly alter the apnea-hypopnea index (p = 0.15), suggesting limited effectiveness in reducing the severity of OSA when performed in isolation. However, in patients who engaged in combined physical activity-incorporating both aerobic and resistance exercises-a significant reduction in the AHI was observed (p < 0.01), indicating a more substantial therapeutic effect. Conclusions: This study concludes that a structured exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training produces a significant improvement in the apnea-hypopnea indices of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. These results highlight the potential of combined exercise regimens as a non-pharmacological intervention that could complement traditional OSA treatments, offering a viable approach to managing the condition and improving patient outcomes. Future research should aim to explore the optimal exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to maximize these benefits.

Keywords: exercise; fitness; obstructive sleep apnea; physical activity; sports.

Figure 1

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram.

Figure 2

Forest plot of the mean differences in the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) after meta-analysis by subgroup.

Figure 3

Funnel plots of the mean differences in apnea–hypopnea index using the trim-and-fill method after meta-analysis, with the initial estimate (left funnel plot) and the final estimate (right funnel plot).