The Effect ofT'ai ChiandQigongTraining on Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of t'ai chi and qigong (TCQ) training on severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Design: A prospective, 12-week, single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.Setting: Sleep Disorders Center of Medical Faculty in Istanbul, Turkey. Subjects: Fifty adult patients with mild and moderate OSA.Interventions: Patients were randomly allocated into either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group (n = 25) received TCQ training under physiotherapist supervision for 1 h, three times per week, for 12 weeks and a home exercise program was provided for another 2 days. The control group (n = 25) received only a home exercise program for 12 weeks, 5 days per week.Outcome measures: All patients were assessed before and after the exercise program. Objective parameters of sleep were measured by polysomnography, while subjective parameters of sleep were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the 3-factor Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Pulmonary functions were assessed with a pulmonary function test; health-related quality of life was evaluated through the Short Form-36.Results: In the intervention group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ( p = 0.001) and percentage and duration of stage N2 sleep ( p = 0.041 and p = 0.037, respectively), while there was a statistically significant increase in percentage and duration of stage N3 sleep when compared with the controls ( p = 0.048 and p = 0.043, respectively). There was a statistically significant decrease in the ESS, PSQI sleep efficiency, and total scores ( p = 0.001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.003, respectively).Conclusions: Our study results suggest that TCQ training may reduce AHI and daytime sleepiness, while improving subjective sleep quality, in patients with mild and moderate OSA.

Effects of Exercise on Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…A total of 249 publications were excluded after screening titles and abstracts, and the full text of 29 studies that were potentially suitable for inclusion was reviewed. Finally, 9 studies [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ] met the eligibility criteria, including 444 patients. The main reasons for exclusion were described in the flowchart, which is shown in Figure 1 .…”

“…The characteristics of the included studies are summarized in Table 1 , Table 2 and Table 3 . Four studies [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 34 ] had protocols with aerobic exercise, and five studies [ 26 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ] had protocols with aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise. All the exercise interventions followed the principle of exercise prescription, regardless of the exercise modality.…”

The effect of qigong for pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with covid-19

“…[ 16 , 17 ] It can also relieve psychological stress, depression and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. [ 18 , 19 ] The difference between Qigong and ordinary sports lies in that Qigong enriches the unique “mind regulation” based on the “body regulation ” and “breath regulation ” in sports, [ 20 ] which is the core of Qigong. The balance of qi, blood, Yin and Yang can be adjusted by regulating the spirit and emotions, so as to achieve a healthy state of “ correspondence between human body and natural environment (Tian-ren Xiangying)”.…”

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercises on Parameters Related to the Sleep Quality in Metabolic Syndrome Individuals: A Clinical Trial Study

“…It is suggested that PE may be helpful for improving aspects of daytime functioning of adults with OSA. Moreover, Yilmaz Gokmen et al [55] have investigated the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong training on severity of OSA for 12-weeks. In the intervention group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the ESS.…”