ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF STRUCTURED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON SLEEP QUALITY AND ARCHITECTURE IN ATHLETIC PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE ACROSS DIFFERENT STAGES

Abstract

Objective: To investigate sleep quality and analyze sleep structure characteristics in athletic patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), focusing on how structured physical activities influence these aspects. Methods: A total of 114 athletic patients with PD treated from January 2020 to January 2021 were enrolled. Based on disease duration, they were categorized into PD <5 years (n=63) and PD ≥5 years (n=51). General data were collected, and sleep disorder statuses and sleep quality indicators between the two groups were compared using video-polysomnography (v-PSG). Results: In the ≥5 years PD group, older age and longer disease duration correlated with poorer sleep metrics. This group exhibited higher incidences of difficulty in falling asleep, sleep fragmentation, and reductions in slow-wave and REM sleep. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) showed worse sleep quality in the ≥5 years’ group (10.34±1.79) compared to the <5 years’ group (7.47±1.34). This group also had shorter total and REM sleep durations, and longer waking times. Sleep disturbances such as frequent waking, hypopnea, and apnea were more prevalent, and both hypopnea index and periodic leg movements were elevated, affecting sleep efficiency and reducing blood oxygen saturation. Sleep quality scores correlated significantly with these v-PSG parameters, suggesting a direct link between reduced physical activity levels and poorer sleep architecture. Conclusion: Athletic patients with PD, especially those with a longer disease duration, experience significant sleep disturbances and structure alterations. These findings underscore the importance of integrating structured physical activity regimes tailored to the clinical profiles of PD patients to enhance sleep quality and overall well-being. Medical professionals should prioritize sleep management in these athletic patients to mitigate the impact of long-term PD on sleep health.