1 CEC

A Case for Pilates as Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

By Alexandra Mahnke, B.S. and Charles Allen, Ph.D., CSCS*D, TSAC-F*D, CPSS, USAW-L1 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition in which individuals experience complete or partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep with an associated decrease in airflow, oxygen saturation, and arousal from sleep. While the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and respiratory muscle training (RMT) are common types of treatment, long-term effectiveness is inhibited by poor patient compliance. A promising alternative is Pilates, which engages a focus on breathing to promote physical strength, flexibility, posture, and body awareness. In addition to positive changes to respiratory strength, Pilates has the potential to improve comorbidities associated with OSA, such as obesity. 

This course is based on content initially published in ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal® from July - August 2024 and is offered as part of the ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal®: July - August 2024 CEC Course Bundle. 

All course content will be presented to you electronically after your purchase. To earn your CECs, you must view the course content and pass the quiz (earning a 70% or better).  

This course expires one year (365 days) from the date of purchase. All course content must be completed prior to the expiration date. ACSM will not offer refunds, transfers or course credits for uncompleted courses prior to their expiration date, or for duplicate purchases. ACSM does not allow substitutions, refunds or credits for this course.  

For questions related to your online CEC courses or purchases, email onlinelearning@acsm.org. 

Keywords: sleep apnea, pilates