Effects of Exercise Training on Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Several studies have shown a favorable effect of supervised exercise training on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the data from these studies on the severity of OSA (primary outcome) in adults. Secondary outcomes of interest included body mass index (BMI), sleep efficiency, daytime sleepiness and cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods Two independent reviewers searched PubMed and Embase (from inception to March 6, 2013) to identify studies on the effects of supervised exercise training in adults with OSA. Pre- and postexercise training data on our primary and secondary outcomes were extracted. Results A total of 5 studies with 6 cohorts that enrolled a total of 129 study participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate of mean pre- to postintervention (exercise) reduction in AHI was −6.27 events/h (95 % confidence interval [CI] −8.54 to −3.99; p < 0.001). The pooled estimates of mean changes in BMI, sleep efficiency, Epworth sleepiness scale and VO2 peak were −1.37 (95 % CI −2.81 to 0.07; p = 0.06), 5.75 % (95 % CI 2.47–9.03; p = 0.001), −3.3 (95 % CI −5.57 to −1.02; p = 0.004), and 3.93 mL/kg/min (95 % CI 2.44–5.42; p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions This meta-analysis shows a statistically significant effect of exercise in reducing the severity of sleep apnea in patients with OSA with minimal changes in body weight. Additionally, the significant effects of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness, daytime sleepiness, and sleep efficiency indicate the potential value of exercise in the management of OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea: standard management and the use of an artificial saliva in a registry study

“…This finding was expected, because of the physical activity increase and the calorie reduction. The effect of physical exercise on OSA was alredy described even with minimal body weight change [7], and may futher improve once a more consistent body weight reduction will be achieved [16].…”

“…The exercise training was found effective on OSA [7] either as such or in relation to the reduction of the energy intake [8], even without the need of using the continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) [9]. The body weight (BW) reduction can also improve the OSA symptoms, even though it is very difficult to keep the patients on a diet for long period of time.…”

Obstructive sleep apnea: one more target in cardiac rehabilitation

“…Third, a recent meta-analysis suggests that physical training might be effective in reducing sleep apnea severity independently of weight loss [50]. Thus, specific programs might be identified for OSA patients.…”

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“…Although there were many studies that examined the relationship between sleep quality and physical activity, exercise and obesity, most of them focus on overall fitness or only one component of physical fitness (Tworoger et al, 2003;Lee and Lin, 2007;Reid et al, 2010;Iftikhar et al, 2014). Currently while teachers" in secondary (SMK) schools, reported sleep problems among students are common and it diminishes student"s performance, the physical education teachers by interview at SMK Kota Kemuning found that weak students physically and academically suffer from inadequate sleep problems and they are sleepy in the classroom.…”

“…Furthermore, Iftikhar et al (2014) stated that exercise promotes sleep when fatigue caused by physical activity. The body and mind are easier to sleep and children who are physically active have a higher level self-esteem and a healthy body (Iftikhar et al, 2014).…”