The primary objective of this research is to analyze and compare the effects of physical activity on patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and various health complications. Methods: A systematic and strategic search of 16 peer-reviewed articles was conducted to assess the impact of different types of physical exercise on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), a key metric used to quantify the severity of OSA. The selected studies focused on two main exercise modalities: aerobic exercise alone and a combination of aerobic and resistance training. These modalities were examined to determine their respective influences on the AHI among individuals with OSA. Results: The findings revealed that aerobic exercise alone did not significantly alter the apnea–hypopnea index (p = 0.15), suggesting limited effectiveness in reducing the severity of OSA when performed in isolation. However, in patients who engaged in combined physical activity—incorporating both aerobic and resistance exercises—a significant reduction in the AHI was observed (p < 0.01), indicating a more substantial therapeutic effect. Conclusions: This study concludes that a structured exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training produces a significant improvement in the apnea–hypopnea indices of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. These results highlight the potential of combined exercise regimens as a non-pharmacological intervention that could complement traditional OSA treatments, offering a viable approach to managing the condition and improving patient outcomes. Future research should aim to explore the optimal exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to maximize these benefits.
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