Abstract
The aim of the current study was to examine whether prolonged low-intensity aerobic exercise could affect nocturnal activity in healthy individuals. Twenty-one healthy adults (24 ± 3.7 years; 9 females) were enrolled in this study. All participants participated in a 3-h low-intensity walking exercise protocol. Standard biochemical indices were assessed before the exercise protocol and at 72 h. Nocturnal activity and various indices of health were recorded for five consecutive days. The score of muscle pain peaked the night after the exercise protocol (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline two days after. No statistical differences were found in any of the parameters examined, including nocturnal activity. Prolonged low-intensity exercise does not affect nocturnal activity. The anecdotal reports suggesting that exercise or/and physical activity could worsen symptoms of motor restlessness during sleep in sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements, are not supported by this study. However, these findings need to be verified in clinical populations, as well as by using protocols with different forms of exercise.
Highlights
Research so far has shown that exercise training can be used as a means of prevention or treatment in a wide range of chronic pathological conditions, including cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, and psychiatric diseases [1,2,3]
None of the parameters assessed during sleep changed statistically during the study
We previously showed that both light and heavy intensity exercise performed during the hemodialysis session significantly reduced motor restlessness in patients with uremic restless legs syndrome (RLS) [5], while chronic exercise training could significantly reduce
Summary
Research so far has shown that exercise training can be used as a means of prevention or treatment in a wide range of chronic pathological conditions, including cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, and psychiatric diseases [1,2,3]. Recent studies have shown that exercise helps to manage sleep-related motor disorders, such as restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) [4,5,6]. Sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common in both the general population and patients with chronic diseases [7,8] and have several adverse effects on physical [9] and mental health [10]. RLS is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by an uncomfortable sensation. PLMS are characterized by episodes of stereotyped, repetitive limb movements during sleep [11]. Both acute and chronic exercise could improve sleep quality [18,19]
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