Obstructive sleep apnea risk is associated with poor physical performance: a cross-sectional analysis of the U.S. health and retirement study

OSA is a common but often undiagnosed condition that may contribute to accelerated age-related physical decline and increased fall risk. Despite known links between diagnosed OSA and motor deficits, little is known about how undiagnosed OSA relates to fall-related physical performance measures in large, community-based populations. Study Impact: This study suggests that individuals at high risk of OSA are more likely to have poor balance, slow gait speed, and weak handgrip strength, which are key predictors of fall risk. The observation of these associations in adults as young as 50 years of age warrants future research to evaluate causality and determine if co-screening of OSA and fall risk can help identify those most vulnerable.