Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong exercises in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Purpose: Exercise training in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has received accelerated attention. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong exercises on OSA severity and daytime sleepiness. Methods: Forty five sedentary patients with mild to moderate untreated OSAS [30≥ Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥5] between the age of 30-65 and body mass index (BMI)≤35 (30,14±3,33kg/m2) were randomly divided into two groups. The training group (n=23) was performed to Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) exercise program under physiotherapist supervision for 1 hour for 12 weeks, 3 days / week, and home exercise program was given for 2 days. The control group (n = 22) received home exercise program for 12 weeks, 5 days / week. Patients were assessed before and following the12 week exercise program. OSA severity (AHI) were assessed with one night of laboratory polysomnography (PSG); daytime sleepiness with Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results: There was no significant change in BMI (p>0,05) in groups. Compared with control group, TCQ exercise group resulted in a statistically significant AHI reduction (TCQ:19,32±7,24 to 13,55±7,78, control:19,07±6,13 to 20,87±11,30; p=0,002) as well as significant changes in ESS (TCQ:9,61±5,81to 5,65±3,59; control: 8,64±5,40 to 8,55±5,04; p=0,001). Conclusions: TCQ exercises may reduce the severity of sleep apnea independent of changes in BMI and improve daytime sleepiness in mild to moderate OSAS. These results have shown that TCQ exercises may be a useful adjunctive to conventional treatment in OSAS.