0590 Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Military Personnel with Regular Exercise is Not Associated with Decreased Exercise Capacity

Abstract Introduction Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15 events/hour are reported to have decreased exercise capacity as measured by percent predicted peak oxygen uptake (VO2) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Whereas previous studies have assessed physical activity, they have not evaluated individuals who regularly exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if moderate-to-severe OSA is associated with decreased exercise tolerance in individuals who regularly exercise. Methods As part of a comprehensive study of previously deployed military personnel with exertional dyspnea, all patients underwent CPET, pulmonary function testing (PFT) and, if warranted by screening questionnaires, polysomnography (PSG). We evaluated those for which all three tests had been performed. For analysis purposes, patients were classified into two groups, the OSA group with AHI ≥ 15 events/hour (41 patients) or controls with an AHI < 15 events/hour (60 patients). Results The mean AHI was 32.5 in the OSA group vs. 5.8 in the control group with no significant difference in age (40 vs. 39 years, p=.53) or BMI (30.5 vs. 29.8, p=.36). PFTs were generally normal in both groups including percent predicted DLCO (100% vs. 95.4%) and FVC (92.9% vs. 91.1%). Percent predicted VO2 was not significantly different in the OSA group compared to the control group (101.5% ± 12.8% vs. 102.7% ± 16.6%; p = .70) with both groups having good exercise capacity. The mean SpO2 nadir was only 84% in the OSA group compared to 88% in the controls. Conclusion Individuals with an AHI ≥ 15 who regularly exercise have normal exercise capacity. Regular exercise potentially mitigates the untoward effects of OSA on exercise capacity. Further research is required to determine if exercise in these patients can decrease the risk of cardiovascular sequelae. Support (If Any):