High-intensity interval training combined with resistance training improved apnea-hypopnea index but did not modify oxygen desaturation index and oxygen saturation nadir in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RT) on sleep indices and vascular functions in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study. Forty-four obese children with OSA were allocated into either an exercise intervention (n = 22) or a usual care control group (n = 22). The exercise group received 24 min of HIIT (> 60% heart rate reserved) and 20 min of RT (50-80% one-repetition maximum), three times per week for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and oxygen saturation (SaO) nadir. Secondary outcomes included the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder-Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (SRBD-PSQ) scores, vascular functions (flow-mediated dilation and mean blood flow velocity), and anthropometric variables. Outcomes were measured at baseline, at week 8, and at week 16.

RESULTS

No baseline differences were observed between groups. The compliance rate of exercise training was 99.47%. The AHI significantly decreased in the exercise group compared with the control group at week 16 (median AHI 1.30 to 0.60 and 1.00 to 1.60 episode/h, p = 0.01), but not at week 8. There were no differences between the groups in regard to the ODI and SaO nadir and any secondary outcomes at weeks 8 and 16 (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The eight-week HIIT combined with RT decreased AHI in obese children with OSA at week 16 follow-up. No changes in the ODI, SaO nadir, SRBD-PSQ, vascular function, and anthropometric outcomes were revealed at any time point. Further research is warranted.