Functional Exercise Capacity, Fatigue and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Controls

Abstract

Introduction: This Physical impairment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients are still unclear. This study compared functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in patients with OSAS and controls. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with OSAS and 24 controls were included. Functional exercise capacity [6-minute walking test (6-MWT)], dyspnea, peripheral muscle strength, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, respiratory muscle strength, and excessive daytime sleepiness [The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)] were evaluated. Results: The 6-MWT, physical activity level, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life were lower; the level of fatigue and dyspnea were increased in patients with OSAS than in controls (p<0.05). Inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength were similar in patients with OSAS and controls (p>0.05). ESS was correlated with fatigue (p=0.036, r=0.608) and MMRC (p=0.018, r=0.665). Conclusion: Patients had reduced functional exercise capacity, physical activity level, quality of life, peripheral muscle strength, and increased perception of fatigue and dyspnea than healthy controls. Cardiac rehabilitation programs should be added to the management of OSAS.