OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present review is to evaluate effects of intermittent hypoxia and exercise therapy in cardiometabolic parameters on adult obese people.

METHODS

Three well-known databases were selected: EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Studies selection: Inclusion criteria were: (a) human healthy overweight or obese adults, (b) study randomized controlled trial, (c) original experimental study, (d) English languages and (e) therapy with intermittent hypoxia and exercise.

METHODS

The assessment of the methodological quality of each study was based upon the risk of bias (PEDro scale) and level of evidence (CBO Guidelines).

METHODS

five articles clearly met inclusion criteria and were reviewed to data extraction.

RESULTS

In the hypoxia groups, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, fat mass and lean mass improved in at least two studies in comparison with the baseline. Systolic blood pressure improved in one study. The lipid profile and the aerobic capacity were not reduced significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that combined hypoxia with exercise may help to improve cardiometabolic parameters in obese people.