Effects of physical exercise on the respiratory muscles, aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as a partial collapse of the airways and an increase in their resistance until the generation of episodes of hypopnea or apnea during sleep, which progressively leads to the presence of cardiovascular comorbidities and neurological that compromise functionality. Physical exercise has shown favorable effects in reducing symptoms and improving the performance of activities of daily living. Objective: To determine changes inthe strength in the respiratory muscles, aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients with OSA who attended a physical exercise program. Materials and methods: Quasi-experimental study in patients with OSA during 8 weeks of physical exercise, based on ATS / ERS 2013 guidelines; aerobic capacity, respiratory muscle strength and quality of life were evaluated. A paired T test was used and a value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered as a significant difference. Results: 94 patients with OSA, mainly female, with a mean age of 73.9 ± 9.6 years. Table 1 describes the results in respiratory muscle strength, 6-minute walk test and quality of life, (p <0.001) Conclusions: Physical exercise contributed to significantly improve respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity and quality of life. 6MWT: 6-Minute Walk Test, VO2e: Estimated Oxygen Consumption, MIP: Maximal Inspiratory Pressure, MEP: Maximal Expiratory Pressure, SGRQ: Saint George9s Respiratory Questionnaire.