A pilot study of high-intensity interval training and continuous positive airway pressure on vascular health in Thai adults with obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes

Objective: This pilot study compared the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on vascular health in Thai adults with obesity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Participants were recruited from a university hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand (July 2023-April 2024). Thirty participants were age-matched and sequentially assigned to CPAP, HIIT, or usual care groups. The HIIT group completed four 4-min treadmill intervals at 85 %-95 % of maximum heart rate, three times weekly for 12 weeks. The CPAP group used CPAP ≥ four hours/night. Primary outcomes were flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Secondary outcomes included sleep indices, blood biomarkers, and body composition. Conclusions: HIIT may benefit vascular health and OSA severity. Both HIIT and CPAP improved body mass index. Larger trials are warranted.