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

PMID: 34917272
Journal: Sleep Science
Published: 2021
Authors: 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.

## Population

- Adults with obesity and suspected sleep-related breathing disorders; 17 completers.
- Sample size: 17
- Age: 20-53 years
- Sex: 12 male, 5 female among completers
- Fitness level: Mostly inactive
- Health status: Obesity and high SRBD/OSA risk by questionnaires

## Methodology

- Single-group pre-post time-series intervention
- 6 weeks
- Physical therapy laboratory fitness room at Walailak University

## Protocol

- HIIT plus resistance training.
- Modality: Treadmill/outdoor running, cycling, ball activities, resistance training.
- Work intervals: 3 min.
- Recovery: 3 min active recovery.
- Sets or repetitions: 4 HIIT bouts; resistance exercises 2 sets of 10-15 reps.
- Intensity: >85% MHR for HIIT, 60-70% MHR recovery; RT from 50% 1RM.
- Session duration: 24 min HIIT plus 30 min RT.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 6 weeks.
- Progression: RT load increased 10% every 2 weeks.

## Outcomes

### Sleepiness
Status: improved
Epworth Sleepiness Scale improved after training.

p<0.001; effect size 1.16.

### Body composition
Status: improved
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.

### Fitness
Status: improved
Estimated VO2max increased from 31.40 to 37.77 mL/kg/min.

p<0.001.

### Strength
Status: improved
All seven tested strength outcomes improved.

All p<0.05.

### Lipids
Status: no clear change
Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL did not significantly change.

Not significant.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

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

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34917272/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200076) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8663736/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.