Effects of sprint interval training combined with remote ischaemic preconditioning on vascular function in young women with masked obesity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the changes in body composition and vascular function in young women with masked obesity after an 8-week intervention involving sprint interval training (SIT) or SIT combined with remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC).

METHODS

Women aged 18-30 years with a body mass index of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and body fat percentage (BF%) > 30% were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: SIT, SIT with RIPC, and control. The participants underwent an 8-week training intervention. Morphological, physiological, vascular, and blood parameters were measured after the intervention.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of exercise intervention, the SIT + RIPC and SIT groups showed significant improvements in waist circumference, hip circumference, and BF%. The SIT + RIPC group showed a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and increase in maximal oxygen consumption. The SIT group also showed a significant decrease in DBP and increase in VO2max. Both the SIT + RIPC and SIT groups showed a significant increase in percentage flow-mediated dilation and decrease in Right intima-media thickness (RIMT), whilst nitric oxide only significantly increased in the SIT + RIPC group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that SIT combined with RIPC is an effective exercise modality for improving body composition and vascular health in women with masked obesity.

CLINICAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number: NCT06664281.