Effect of high-intensity interval training on obstructive sleep apnea severity: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiorespiratory Fitness
• Sleep Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
• Vigorous physical activity is linked to reduced OSA risk.
• The specific impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on OSA severity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of a 12-week HIIT program on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and other sleep parameters in adults with moderate-severe OSA.
• To assess changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) following the HIIT intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 36 adults with moderate-severe OSA.
• Participants were assigned to either a 12-week HIIT program (3 times/week) or a control group (stretching exercises).
• Sleep parameters (AHI, SaO2 minimum, total sleep time, sleep efficiency) and VO2max were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks using polysomnography and VO2max testing.

Main Results:

• The HIIT group showed a significant decrease in AHI (p=0.005) and an increase in minimum SaO2 (p=0.030) compared to the control group.
• HIIT also led to significant improvements in total sleep time (p=0.049) and sleep efficiency (p=0.026).
• A significant increase in VO2max was observed in the HIIT group (p<0.001), while the control group showed a decrease.

Conclusions:

• Twelve weeks of HIIT is effective in decreasing obstructive sleep apnea severity.
• HIIT improves sleep quality, indicated by increased total sleep time and sleep efficiency.
• The intervention significantly enhances cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with moderate-severe OSA.