Abstract
Background
Functional limitation is commonly reported in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), even in the absence of co-existing respiratory disease. Exercise training may improve aerobic fitness and sleep variables such as daytime sleepiness and sleep quality (Iftikhar et al 2013). The aim of the study was to identify the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on exercise capacity, dyspnoea and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in functionally limited patients with OSA.
Methods
23 patients with OSA, functional limitation (MRC dyspnoea score: 2-5), no known co-existing respiratory disease, normal chest radiograph and spirometry (FEV1 >70%predicted; FEV1/FVC ratio >0.7) completed an 8-week outpatient PR programme. Exercise capacity was determined by change in incremental shuttle walk (ISW); breathlessness and HRQoL by change in Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) domains.
Results
Baseline characteristics (mean (SD) or median (25th, 75th centiles)): 20 male; age 62 (12) years; MRC 3 (1); FEV1 80 (75, 89)%; FVC: 83 (14)%; BMI 37 (6)kg/m2; fat free mass (FFM) 71 (13)kg; ISW 342 (253)m; Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) dyspnoea 14.6 (5.9); fatigue 11.2 (4.2); emotion 28.4 (10.9); mastery 20.3 (6.1); total 74.4 (23.4). Although there were no changes in weight or FFM, there were significant improvements in ISW and all CRQ-domains (Table 1).
Discussion
PR may be of benefit to patients with OSA in terms of improving exercise capacity, dyspnoea and HRQOL.
- © 2014 ERS