Exercise Interventions in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Summary

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA) is a condition characterized by repeated pauses or reductions in breathing during sleep, which can negatively affect sleep quality, daytime functioning, and physical capacity. Although regular exercise is known to have beneficial effects in OSA, the effects of different exercise approaches on circadian rhythm and functional capacity have not been sufficiently investigated.The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of exercise snacking and aerobic exercise on circadian rhythm and functional capacity in individuals with OSA, in comparison with a control group. The secondary aim is to evaluate the effects of these exercise interventions on peripheral muscle strength, fatigue level, body composition, quality of life, and physical activity level.Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: an aerobic exercise group, an exercise snacking group, and a control group. While the exercise groups will follow their respective intervention programs, the control group will continue their routine treatment.This study aims to answer whether exercise snacking, which consists of short bouts of exercise distributed throughout the day, may be an alternative or complementary approach to traditional aerobic exercise in individuals with OSA. In addition, this study aims to be the first randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of exercise snacking on circadian rhythm and functional capacity in individuals with OSA.

Conditions

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Exercise Snacks
• Physical Activity
• Circadian Rhythm
• Sleep

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Aerobic Exercise Training

Participants in the aerobic exercise group will undergo an 8-week supervised aerobic exercise program on a cycle ergometer, performed twice per week. Each session will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will include a 5-minute low-intensity warm-up and a 5-minute cool-down period. Exercise intensity will be set at a moderate level according to the Karvonen method. The main exercise duration will be progressively increased throughout the intervention period: 20 minutes during weeks 1-2, 25 minutes during weeks 3-4, 30 minutes during weeks 5-6, and 35 minutes during weeks 7-8. Participants' heart rate will be monitored during exercise sessions, and perceived exertion will be assessed using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale.In addition, all participants will be instructed to perform resistance exercises once per week. The exercises will target the upper extremity, lower extremity, and core muscles and will consist of three different exercises.

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise Snacking

The exercises will be performed by participants at home and supervised by the researcher. Since progression of each exercise will be implemented every two weeks, participants will be scheduled to attend the clinic every two weeks, where the exercises will be demonstrated. Each session will consist of six different exercises (squat, heel raises, marching in place, jumping jacks, upright row, and chest press). Each exercise will be performed for 1 minute, followed by a 1-minute seated rest interval. Thus, each session will last approximately 12 minutes. Exercise progression will be applied every two weeks for each exercise. During the sessions, participants will monitor their heart rate and oxygen saturation. An oxygen saturation level below 90% will be defined as the exercise termination criterion. Participants will be provided with a daily logbook to record completion of exercise snacking sessions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• MELİS USUL · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

• Gökşen Kuran Aslan, Professor · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

• Esen Kıyan, Professor · Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine

• Zeynep Banu Güngör, Professor · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

30 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-09-01

Primary Completion

2027-12-31

Completion

2028-02-29

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations