Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that physically active individuals have a lower risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) compared with the less physically active individuals.5 Furthermore, interest in exercise training has been rapidly increasing in patients with OSA. According to the summary results of a meta-analysis6 exploring this topic, exercise training in patients with OSA significantly reduces the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and provides a significant improvement in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness independent of body mass index (BMI). This suggests the possible role of exercise in the treatment of sleep apnea.

In previous studies, long-term TC exercises were shown to positively affect physical function, exercise capacity, and psychological status, as well as support, in the treatment of chronic diseases.20 However, there appear to have been very few studies that have explored the effects of tai chi and qigong (TCQ) training in patients with OSA.

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. 

Pulmonary functions were assessed with a pulmonary function test; health-related quality of life was evaluated through the Short Form-36.

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).