PMID 34917272

Research
All papers

Effects of six weeks high-intensity interval training and resistance training in adults with obesity and sleep related breathing disorders

Longlalerng K, Nakeaw A, Charawae AE, Reantong P, Prangyim U, Jeenduang N

Question

Does 6 weeks of combined HIIT and resistance training improve subjective sleep-related breathing disorder measures, anthropometrics, fitness, strength, and biomarkers in adults with obesity?

Summary

In 17 adults with obesity and suspected sleep-related breathing disorders who completed a 6-week combined HIIT and resistance-training program, subjective sleepiness, some Berlin questionnaire risk items, body weight, body fat, estimated VO2max, strength, and fasting glucose improved. The study had no control group, used subjective sleep screening rather than polysomnography, and did not monitor diet.

Methodology

  • Adults with obesity and suspected sleep-related breathing disorders; 17 completers.
  • 17 participants.
  • Treadmill/outdoor running, cycling, ball activities, resistance training.
  • Work intervals: 3 min.
  • Recovery: 3 min active recovery.
  • Intensity: >85% MHR for HIIT, 60-70% MHR recovery; RT from 50% 1RM.
  • 24 min HIIT plus 30 min RT.
  • 3 sessions/week.
  • 6 weeks.
  • Single-group pre-post time-series intervention
  • Subjective sleepiness, Berlin questionnaire, Estimated VO2max, and Strength were tracked.

Outcomes

Sleepiness

Epworth Sleepiness Scale improved after training.

p<0.001; effect size 1.16.

Improved

Body composition

Body weight, BMI, percent body fat, and hip circumference decreased.

Body weight p=0.025; BMI p=0.018; percent body fat p<0.01; hip circumference p<0.001.

Improved

Fitness

Estimated VO2max increased from 31.40 to 37.77 mL/kg/min.

p<0.001.

Improved

Strength

All seven tested strength outcomes improved.

All p<0.05.

Improved

Lipids

Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL did not significantly change.

Not significant.

No clear change

Insights

  • A 4 x 3-min HR-guided format was feasible under physiotherapist supervision.
  • Sleep claims should be limited to subjective questionnaire improvement.
  • The combined strength component makes it impossible to attribute outcomes to HIIT alone.

Limitations

  • No control group
  • Small sample
  • Subjective sleep measures only
  • No polysomnography
  • Diet not monitored
  • Combined HIIT and RT intervention

Safety

  • Two participants had musculoskeletal problems during the program.
  • No adverse events were found during the entire 6 weeks.