Physical activity and apnoea-hypopnea index in obstructive sleep apnoea

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea is a silent killer as majority of people are unaware of having it. Its aetiology and pathophysiology of comorbidities are not fully understood. We aimed to determine the physical activity levels in sleep apnoea patients and compare it with their apnoea-hypopnea-index (AHI). Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 obstructive sleep apnoea cases selected after confirmation of their diagnosis through overnight polysomnography, and 50 normal controls. Polysomnographic sleep study evaluated their sleep phases and AHI. Physical activity was measured by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Cut-off metabolic energy turnover value of 600 was considered to categorize them active or inactive. Results: More than two third of sleep apnoea patients were physically inactive (68% vs 32%). Mean physical activity score was not significantly different in both groups, however, statistically significant negative correlation was present between Physical activity and sleep apnoea score (r= -0.591, p<0.001), showing a decreasing tendency of Physical activity value with increasing severity of apnoea or apnoea-hypopnea index. Conclusions: Overall physical inactivity was a characteristic among individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea. There was a moderate negative correlation between physical activity and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) scores. Proper physical activity and exercise could be a therapeutic alternative for these patients, being simple, inexpensive and having many systemic benefits.

Pak J Physiol 2019;15(3):67–70