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The Effects of a Six-week Exercise Program on Heart Rate Variability in Adults with and Without Obstructive Sleep
Devon A Dobrosielski1, Stephen J Ives2, Karla A Kubitz1
1Department of Kinesiology, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252, USA.
Sleep and Biological Rhythms
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Six weeks of exercise improved heart rate variability (HRV) in obese adults with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the same exercise program decreased HRV in those with moderate to severe OSA.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise training is a recommended behavioral treatment for obese adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of autonomic nervous system function, influenced by sleep apnea severity.
- Understanding how exercise impacts HRV across different OSA severities is crucial for personalized treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a supervised exercise program on HRV parameters in obese adults.
- To determine if the impact of exercise on HRV differs based on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Main Methods:
- Obese adults were classified into no/mild OSA (AHI < 15) or moderate/severe OSA (AHI > 15) groups.
- A six-week comprehensive exercise program was administered (3 days/week).
- Cardiorespiratory fitness and short-term HRV (time and frequency domains) were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Exercise training significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness and parasympathetic HRV (HF%) across all participants.
- Participants with no/mild OSA showed an increase in HRV (SDNN), indicating improved autonomic function.
- Participants with moderate/severe OSA experienced a decrease in HRV (SDNN) following the exercise program.
Conclusions:
- A six-week exercise program can improve parasympathetic HRV in obese adults with OSA.
- The exercise intervention was insufficient to improve sympathetic HRV in obese adults with moderate to severe OSA.
- Exercise's effect on HRV differs by OSA severity, suggesting tailored approaches may be needed.
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