Post
by RationalEntropy » Wed Dec 21, 2011 8:31 am
This change in AHI is suggested to be a function of factors other than weightloss, and weightloss to some (lesser?) degree.
Here is my 40% of a nickel: Over time when one exercises (aerobic/anaerobic, whatever) the body becomes more efficient in utilizing energy, right? That is how one is able to run greater distances more quickly without feeling winded, or lift heavier weight with more ease. With weight training the muscles in the body hypertrophy, the motor units (connections between the nervous system and the muscles) increase in number, while the signals become more efficient. With weights the heart is recruited pretty well, too (have any of you ever tried a heavy set of squats... that is a great example there). That is well and good, but since cardio/conditioning work greatly influences the heart and lungs... I think we can deduce that this mode of action is what decreases AHI.
Now, I cannot act as a control, unless I am to stop flipping tires, sparring, running sleds, doing traditional weight exercises, and take note of increases in AHI. If I drop 20 lbs it will be interesting to see how much of it is a function of body mass in my case. I have complex apnea, so that is also a confounding variable.
I think it would be great to have a site wide informal case study on this. After all POW there is a large potential sample set, and what do we have to lose. Of course if someone doesn't want to participate that is fine.