The effect of physical rehabilitation (PR) on the severity of symptoms of OSAS in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA)

Abstract

COPD and OSA are two of the most prevalent chronic respiratory disorders. The coexistence of COPD and ODA is known as an overlap syndrome. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the therapy of first choice for treatment of OSA. However, this method of treatment is expensive and not all patients can afford it. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of PR on the dynamics of OSA in patients with the overlap syndrome. 37 patients with COPD, stage B-D (according to the GOLD classification) in combination with OSA were examined. OSA was diagnosed with the help of diagnostic system SOMNOcheck micro. The grade of OSA was evaluated during the inclusion of the patient in the study and after 8 weeks of performing PR. The original set of breathing exercises, including exercises for the tongue and throat muscles was developed. Also the original diary, in which the patients assessed their state of health during the course of PR was developed. A statistically significant improvement in OSA indexed parameters (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), obstructive AHI (OAHI), autonomic arousal index (AAI), cardiac risk index (CRI)) after 8 weeks of PR was shown. During the inclusion the following results were: AHI 28(13÷41) events/hour; OAHI 22(22÷31);AAI 23(18÷36);CRI 0,53(0,5÷1,1). After 8 weeks of PR the results were AHI 20 (11÷31) events/ hour; OAHI 17(15÷27); AAI 17 (17÷22); CRI 0,28 (0,2÷0,8) (p The course of PR had a positive effect on the symptoms of OSA. Making diary entries increased compliance of patients to perform the exercises of physical rehabilitation.