Occupational but not leisure-time physical activity associated with high-risk of obstructive sleep apnea status: a...

Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, the distinct impacts of occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between OPA/LTPA and the risk of developing OSA within a nationally representative sample. We hypothesized that high-intensity OPA could potentially elevate the risk of OSA, whereas the effect of LTPA on OSA risk might be different.

The cross-sectional study utilized data from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey database (2019-2020), encompassing a total of 8093 participants. OSA risk was assessed using the STOP-BANG questionnaire, where a score of ≥ 3 signified high risk. Physical activity levels were evaluated using questions adapted from the Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were allocated based on their high or low levels of LTPA or OPA. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to unveil the associations between OSA and LTPA/OPA.

The multivariate regression analysis revealed that high-intensity OPA posed a risk factor for OSA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.738, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.134, 2.666), particularly among individuals with age ≥ 60 years old (OR = 1.321, 95% CI: 1.036, 1.682), those with a BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 1.967, 95% CI: 1.027, 3.767), and individuals with hypertension (OR = 3.729, 95% CI: 1.586, 8.768). Furthermore, a visible association was observed between high-intensity OPA and increased tiredness (OR = 1.447, 95% CI: 1.107, 1.891). However, no notable correlation was detected between LTPA and OSA prevalence in both overall and subgroup analyses (all P > 0.5).

The study supported the link between high-intensity OPA and an elevated risk of OSA, suggesting the need to manage the duration and intensity of OPA.