Obstructive sleep apnea and exercise capacity

This study is a cross-sectional evaluation of the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and exercise capacity. According to the authors, how OSA affects exercise capacity is not clear, as prior studies have conflicting results. In this study, researchers did sleep studies on participants and put them into two groups. Those with no or mild OSA, and those with moderate or severe OSA. They then measured their exercise capacity and compared the results. The main finding was that OSA was associated with decreased exercise capacity. And more severe OSA was associated with worsening exercise capacity. The mechanism behind why OSA would affect exercise capacity is not clear. The authors speculate that it could be due to changes in energy pathways, changes in muscle fiber structure, and/or changes in blood vessels in muscles - thought to be a result of low oxygen levels associated with OSA.