In this study, inspiratory muscles (diaphragm) and knee
extensors (VL) were selected to explore the effect of the
functional changes observed in OSA patients. The chronic
overloading of inspiratory muscles against an obstructed
upper airway could lead to structural and metabolic adaptations.
Peripheral muscle was chosen as a control because it was
considered not to be overloaded during sleep. Several studies
have compared the inspiratory muscles and peripheral
muscles in patients with OSA.