Effects of resistance training on obstructive sleep apnea severity: a randomized controlled trial

Meta-analyses have demonstrated that physical exercise is associated with a reduction in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, whether resistance training (RT) has an impact on OSA severity remains less well established. In addition, the potential underlying mechanisms associated with improvements in OSA after resistance training also remain poorly understood. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an eight-week RT program on OSA severity. A secondary aim was to investigate potential mechanisms underlying improvements in OSA following RT. Randomized controlled trial involving 25 adults with moderate to severe OSA [male: 52%; age: 55.4 ± 8.3 years; BMI: 36.3 ± 7.3 kg/m²; apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): 50.5 ± 25.5 events/hour], allocated to a RT group (RT; 3 weekly sessions for 8 weeks) or a control group (CG; stretching exercises). Nocturnal polysomnography, respiratory muscle strength, rostral fluid shift, and body composition assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Significant group × time interactions were found for AHI (RT: Δ -21.0 ± 6.1 vs. CG: 3.5 ± 3.8 e/h; p = 0.015), NREM-AHI (RT: Δ -20.5 ± 6.2 vs. CG: 3.9 ± 3.9 e/h; p = 0.022), and arousals (RT: Δ -7.9 ± 4.8 vs. CG: 7.4 ± 5.1; p = 0.028). In RT group, a correlation was verified between changes in AHI and waist circumference (r = 0.643, p = 0.018). An eight-week RT reduces OSA severity and the number of micro-arousals. A reduction in waist circumference was associated with an improvement in OSA severity.