# Functional Exercise Capacity, Fatigue and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Controls

## Authors

- Nihan Katayifci ([ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1218-3831)) — Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hatay, Turkey
- Irem Huzmeli ([ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3400-6016)) — Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hatay, Turkey
- Nursel Dikmen ([ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5923-400X)) — Mustafa Kemal University, Tayfur Ata Sökmen Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, Hatay, Turkey

## Article information

- **Journal:** The Ulutas Medical Journal (Ulutas Med J), ISSN 2149-388X
- **Issue:** Volume 9, Issue 3 (2023), pages 110–117
- **Article type:** Original Article
- **Published online:** 2023-07-03
- **DOI:** [10.5455/umj.20230103043212](https://doi.org/10.5455/umj.20230103043212)
- **Licence:** [CC BY-NC 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)
- **Article page:** https://www.ulutasmedicaljournal.com/?mno=136244
- **PDF:** https://www.ulutasmedicaljournal.com/pdf/136244.pdf

## Abstract

Introduction: This Physical impairment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients are still unclear. This study compared functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in patients with OSAS and controls. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with OSAS and 24 controls were included. Functional exercise capacity [6-minute walking test (6-MWT)], dyspnea, peripheral muscle strength, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, respiratory muscle strength, and excessive daytime sleepiness [The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)] were evaluated. Results: The 6-MWT, physical activity level, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life were lower; the level of fatigue and dyspnea were increased in patients with OSAS than in controls (p0.05). ESS was correlated with fatigue (p=0.036, r=0.608) and MMRC (p=0.018, r=0.665). Conclusion: Patients had reduced functional exercise capacity, physical activity level, quality of life, peripheral muscle strength, and increased perception of fatigue and dyspnea than healthy controls. Cardiac rehabilitation programs should be added to the management of OSAS.

## Keywords

OSAS; exercise capacity; muscle strength; physical activity; dyspnea; fatigue

## How to cite

Katayifci N, Huzmeli I, Dikmen N. Functional Exercise Capacity, Fatigue and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Controls. Ulutas Med J. 2023;9(3):110-117. doi:10.5455/umj.20230103043212

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