Comparing the influence of foot reflexology and fasting mimicking diet on quality of life and sleep quality in obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is one of the most serious outcomes of obesity-related respiratory difficulties, resulting in higher healthcare costs as well as increased cardio-respiratory morbidity and mortality. Methods Sixty-two males who had a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea according to the STOP-BANG Sleep Apnea Questionnaire were enrolled in the study. Their age is 50–60 years old, and they have a BMI of 35–40 kg/m2, daytime hypercapnia, and sleep breathing problems. The patients were divided into two equal groups at random reflexology fasting-mimicking diet groups. Weight, height, waist, and neck circumference were assessed at the beginning of the study and after two months of the intervention. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which is used to evaluate sleep quality. The Maugeri Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (MOSAS) questionnaire was used to assess a patient’s quality of life. Results There was a significant change in the MOSAS and PSQI questionnaires for both groups post-intervention, as the p-value was less than 0.05. The percentage change in the MOSAS questionnaire score and PSQI questionnaire was higher in the mimic diet group than in the reflexology group. Also, the mimic diet group’s weight and neck circumference were considerably reduced after the intervention, with no change in the reflexology group. Conclusions Reflexology and a fasting-mimicking diet were found to have a substantial impact on enhancing the quality of life and sleep in people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome.