The 6-minute walk test as an alternative assessment fitness tool at SARS-COV-2 period in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. A preliminary report

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) exhibit low cardio-fitness impact, attributed to fragmented sleep architecture and pathophysiological changes.

Aims and objectives: The investigate the fitness indicators during 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and oxidative stress regarding severity of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in OSAS patients.

Materials and methods: 37 newly diagnostic patients, comorbidity-free, were divided into two groups (15<AHI<30/h, n=12: Age: 50.7±7.2 yrs, BMI: 32.5±4.0 kg/m2 vs. ΑΗΙ≥30/h, n=25: Age: 46.3±10.4 yrs, BMI: 33.3±7.9 kg/m2). We recorded anthropometric characteristics, we performed blood sampling (dROMs and PAT) and underwent 6MWT. The rate of change (shift) was defined as (post-intervention measurement - baseline measurement)/baseline measurement. Spearman's Rho and Pearson's R correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations between continuous variables. Independent samples T-tests were used to compare rates of change for moderate (15<AHI<30) and severe (AHI>30) OSAS strata. For all aforementioned tests, a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Statistically significant differences were detected between the rates of systolic and diastolic pressure shift (p<0.05) in the severe vs. moderate OSAS strata. Anthropometric characteristics, dROMs and PAT did not exhibit statistically significant differences.

Conclusion: OSAS may impact vascular health in the setting of the physiological response to increased demand for dynamic cardiovascular output, and the latter may be revealed via a diagnostic, standardized exercise regimen.