Effect of weight reduction and exercise program on patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Background Obesity is the most important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of weight reduction and exercise program on patients with OSA at a university hospitals in Egypt. Subjects and methods Research design: A quasi experimental one group pre/post test design was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Subjects A purposive sample included 30 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of OSA were recruited in this study. The program implemented through 10 months. Tools of data collection Five tools of data collection were used: (1) A structured interview questionnaire. (2) Berlin questionnaire. (3) Epworth sleepiness scale. (4) Questionnaire of sleep apnea, and (5) Questionnaire to assess sleep disturbance symptoms associated with obesity Results There was a significant reduction in weight through decreasing in BMI, neck circumference, and waist circumference with mean±SD 103.87±21.11, 35.27±7.66, 36.67±4.85, 112.83±16.51 respectively after intervention of program that reflected then on decreasing sleep disturbance symptoms associated with obesity. The sleep efficiency increased after intervention of program with mean±SD 88.32±8.50 through increasing in Base SPO2% (oxygen saturation during daytime) and mini SPO2% and reduction in sum of desaturation (difference between sleep and awake), snoring index, AHI (apnea-hypopnea index). In addition, there was a reduction in daytime and nocturnal symptoms of sleep disorder breathing after intervention of program. Conclusion Hence, it can be concluded that the application of a balanced and low calorie dietary intake and regular exercise training for upper airway was effective on improving severity of OSA.