Effects of resistance training on subjective sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial.
José Ricardo Vieira de Almeida, Daniela Karina da Silva Ferreira, Victória Duarte de Arantes Lima et al.
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In 30 seconds
This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examined eight weeks of resistance training in 25 adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Participants were assigned to resistance training or a control group, and subjective sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and quality of life were assessed. Compared with control, training improved overall Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (change −3.2 ± 0.6 vs 0.2 ± 0.8; p = 0.004) and the SF-36 global score (change 10.8 ± 3.3 vs −3.4 ± 3.1; p = 0.002). No between-group difference was observed in daytime sleepiness.
Key findings
- Overall PSQI score changed by −3.2 ± 0.6 with resistance training versus 0.2 ± 0.8 in controls (p = 0.004).
- SF-36 global score changed by 10.8 ± 3.3 with training versus −3.4 ± 3.1 in controls (p = 0.002).
- Differences favored training for sleep latency, sleep duration, and sleeping medication domains; no difference was observed in ESS.
Why it matters
The findings suggest resistance training may improve patient-reported sleep quality and quality of life in adults with moderate to severe OSA, while not reducing measured daytime sleepiness in this trial. These outcomes complement physiological measures of OSA and may inform consideration of exercise as an adjunctive approach, although the results come from a small study.
What to keep in mind
The trial included only 25 adults, limiting precision and generalisability. Outcomes were subjective measures assessed over an eight-week intervention.