# Physical performance, health-related quality of life and sleepiness severity of an adult outpatient population with narcolepsy: A cross-sectional analysis

## TL;DR

This study examines how physical performance and quality of life are affected in adults with narcolepsy type 1.

## Contribution

The study is the first to explore the relationship between physical performance, sleepiness severity, and quality of life in a narcolepsy outpatient population.

## Key findings

- Physical performance was low across all measures in people with narcolepsy type 1.
- Self-reported physical activity was associated with higher health-related quality of life.
- Higher BMI was linked to lower predicted VO₂ Max and shorter wall sit duration.

## Abstract

This study aimed to profile and explore the correlation between health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sleepiness severity and physical performance in a sample of people with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1).

This cross-sectional study took place in a dedicated outpatient narcolepsy clinic. The following variables were evaluated: cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity, muscle strength, muscle endurance, power. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ). Sleepiness Severity was measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and symptom severity was assessed using the Narcolepsy Severity Scale (NSS).

A total of 22 participants (31.53 ± 13.17 years, 56.52 % female) completed the test battery. Physical performance was low across all measures. With the exception of accelerometery (54.17 % compliance), there was full compliance (100 %) with the test battery, indicating its feasibility for people with narcolepsy. Results showed that physical performance and HRQoL were markedly reduced compared to normative values in this sample of people with narcolepsy. Self-reported physical activity was associated with higher health-related quality of life (ρ = 0.41; p = 0.05), and greater moderate-vigorous physical activity was associated with higher physical wellbeing (ρ = 0.58; p = 0.04). Higher BMI was associated with significantly lower predicted VO₂ Max (0.001), and wall sit duration (p = 0.039).

The influence of physical performance on sleepiness severity and quality of life warrants further investigation, including the possible physical rehabilitation strategies to target physical performance deficits.