Effects of Combining Different Exercise Modes With CPT on Vascular Function and Sleep Quality in Female University Students With SD

Effects of Combining Different Exercise Modes With Cold Pressor Test on Vascular Function and Sleep Quality in Female University Students With Sleep Disorders

Fourteen female college students with sleep disorders (SD) and fourteen with good sleep status were recruited, divided into sleep disorder group (SDG) and control group (CG). Both groups underwent moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and sprint interval training (SIT). Immediately after exercise, Cold Pressor Test (CPT) was administered, vascular indicators were measured immediately and 30 minutes later. The next day after exercise, participants completed the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Each exercise mode had a washout period of at least 7 days.

Both SDG and CG underwent HIIT, MICT, and SIT interventions. After the exercise, a CPT was conducted, and vascular indicators were immediately measured at the end of the intervention. Another measurement was taken 30 minutes after the intervention. The exercise was performed on a power bike, with the requirement to maintain a pedaling frequency of 60 rpm. The exercise protocols for HIIT, MICT, and SIT were designed with equal exercise volume. The HIIT protocol consisted of 4 sets of 4 minutes at 85% maximal oxygen uptake data (VO2max), interspersed with 3 minutes at 50% VO2max. The MICT protocol involved continuous pedaling at 60% VO2max for 32 minutes. The SIT protocol included 6 sets of 30-second all-out sprints (100% VO2max) with 4.5 minutes of recovery at 60% VO2max between each sprint. There was a minimum of 7 days between each exercise mode as a washout period. The PSQI questionnaire was completed the day after each intervention upon waking up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female university students aged between 18 and 30 years old
• Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5~24.0 kg/m2
• Presence of SD (PSQI > 8 points) or good sleep quality (PSQI ≤ 7 points)
• Not taking medications that affect sleep
• No cardiovascular diseases
• No regular exercise habits or specialized training but possessing the ability to complete the exercise program

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe organic diseases such as heart, kidney, etc
• Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, etc.
• Taking medications that affect sleep (including drugs that promote or interfere with sleep)
• Permanent and severe exercise dysfunction
• Participation in other experiments