Abstract
Background: Physical activity has not only been proven to enhance health in the general population but is also related to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Studies reporting physical activity level in persons with OSAS often use questionnaire but none has described the physical activity pattern using accelerometer.
Aim: The aim of the study was to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviours in a sample of persons with OSAS and obesity.
Methods: 35 persons (7 women) with moderate/severe OSAS (AHI ≥15) and obesity (mean BMI: 36.3) were enrolled in the study. They wore a three-axis accelerometer (Sensewear Armband) for five days. Measurements used were daily median for number of steps, minutes of physical activity above 3.0 METs (i.e moderate and vigorous intensity) and amount of time spent in sedentary (<1.0 METs). A visual analysis was made regarding number of 10-minute bouts of physical activity above 3.0 METs.
Results: Participants were sedentary for a daily median of 11 h 25 min (IQR 5:08). They took a median daily amount of 7121 steps (IQR 4945) and were physically active above 3.0 METs for a median of 54.4 min (IQR 63). The median number of 10-minute bouts of physical activity above 3.0 METs was 2.4 (IQR 3) and when calculating these bouts, only a median of 29.6 min (IQR 39) of physical activity above 3.0 METs was identified.
Conclusions: The participants' daily median of steps and minutes spent on at least moderate-intensity physical activity fairly well match the general recommendations. However, the results do not meet the recommendations set for physical activity in weight reduction, i.e 300 minutes/week of moderate-intensity physical activity.
- © 2011 ERS
