A diet and exercise program to improve clinical outcomes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea--a feasibility study

• Published in: Journal of clinical sleep medicine 2009-10, Vol.5 (5), p.409-415
• Main Authors: Barnes, Maree, Goldsworthy, Unna Raquel, Cary, Belinda Ann, Hill, Catherine Jane
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Affect; Blood Glucose - analysis; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; Diet, Reducing - methods; Exercise Therapy - methods; Feasibility Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Insulin - blood; Lipids - blood; Male; New Research; Polysomnography; Quality of Life; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - therapy; Treatment Outcome; Weight Loss
• ISSN: 1550-9389; 1550-9397
• DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.27594

To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a novel 16-week exercise and diet program for important clinical outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Cohort study assessing sleep disordered breathing, cardiovascular risk factors, and neurobehavioral function prior to and following completion of the 16-week program. The program used a proprietary very low energy diet (Optifast, Novartis), and subjects participated in a supervised exercise schedule, which included both aerobic and resistance training. Follow-up contact was made at 12 months after program exit. Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed sleep apnea were approached who had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 10 to 50, a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30 kg/m2, no significant comorbidities, and able to exercise. All data are presented as mean [SD]. Of 21 patients with OSA who were approached, 12 middle-aged (42.3 [10.4] years old), obese (BMI 36.1 [4.3] kg/m2), and predominantly female (75%) subjects with mild to moderate OSA were enrolled (AHI 24.6 [12.0]). Weight loss was significant (12.3 [9.6] kg, p