Effects of exercise training on exercise capacity and sleep quality in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Introduction: Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a clinical condition characterized by daytime hypercapnia in obese individuals, often accompanied by sleep-related breathing disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity and sleep quality in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Methods: The study included 44 cases. The participants were randomized into two groups: the exercise group and the control group. The exercise group participated in aerobic exercise under physiotherapist supervision twice a week and at home three times a week, and performed strengthening exercises under supervision once a week and at home twice a week. All participants were prescribed a dietary program. Exercise capacity was assessed using the six-minute walk test; sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale; body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometric measurements; peripheral muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer; grip strength using a Jamar hand dynamometer; physical activity level using a pedometer; emotional status using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and quality of life using the Nottingham Health Profile. Assessments were conducted before and after the 10-week intervention. Results: The study was completed with a total of 40 participants, including 20 cases in the exercise group (49.20 ± 7.85 years, 10F/10M) and 20 cases in the control group (52.85 ± 5.16 years, 7F/13M).Statistically significant differences between groups were observed in the six-minute walk distance, total score and subscales of subjective sleep quality and habitual sleep efficiency of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, total score of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, waist and hip circumference, lower and upper extremity muscle strength, grip strength, physical activity level, anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and total score and subscales of sleep, emotional status, and physical activity of the Nottingham Health Profile (p<0.05). Changes in BMI, weight, and neck circumference were similar between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that exercise training is an effective therapeutic approach for improving exercise capacity and sleep quality in patients with OHS. These results suggest that exercise training may be considered a beneficial treatment option in the management of OHS. Keywords: Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, Exercise Capacity, Sleep Quality, Exercise