Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Overweight and Obese Survivors of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: Obesity is considered a major risk factor for breast cancer. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient exercise that significantly advances cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy subjects. Purpose:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in survivors of breast cancer who are overweight and obese. Methods: Sixty overweight and obese female breast cancer survivors, aged 40 to 60 years, 6 months after completing therapies were included in this study. The patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the HIIT group (n = 30; administered HIIT program 3 sessions per week for 8 successive weeks) and the control group (n = 30; received usual care measures). Cardiorespiratory fitness, measured using maximal oxygen uptake ( VO 2peak ), and body composition were evaluated in patients of both groups at baseline and after the intervention period. Results: VO 2peak increased significantly by 3.77 mL.kg −1 .min −1 between pre-and posttreatment (P < .05) in the HIIT group. Body mass indexes in both groups were similar (P > .05). Women in the HIIT group showed significant fat mass changes, fat mass percentage, and lean body mass (P < .05). Conclusion: This study shows that HIIT effectively improves cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in breast cancer survivors.

High-Intensity Interval Training in the Oncology Population

“…After the fourth high-intensity interval, each person finished with a 5-minute cooldown. The investigators found improvements in normalV˙normalO2 peak and body composition compared with the control group after 8 weeks of exercise 12…”

“…Current evidence demonstrates that HIIT is beneficial in improving cardiorespiratory function 10–13. Across studies, there has been variability in terms of study duration, high-intensity interval length, and overall exercise session length.…”

“…13 Current evidence demonstrates that HIIT is beneficial in improving cardiorespiratory function. [10][11][12][13] Across studies, there has been variability in terms of study duration, high-intensity interval length, and overall exercise session length. However, even with these variances, there were benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness and no adverse effects to the participants.…”

“…However, even with these variances, there were benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness and no adverse effects to the participants. [10][11][12][13] PLWBC being able to safely participate in HIIT is important to recognize since HIIT may be frequently overlooked because of the fear of prescribing high-intensity exercise. However, with any exercise program, the prescription must be chosen to meet the patient's goals and tolerance to activity.…”

“…HIIT has the potential to be a versatile tool that could be used across different settings to promote improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and physical function in patients diagnosed and living with and beyond cancer. [10][11][12][13] Studies suggest that HIIT may be used in a multitude of settings (in an outpatient setting during prehabilitation, during cancer treatment, or post-cancer treatment) to promote cardiorespiratory fitness. Future research needs to focus on HIIT in different settings and locations, as well as with other populations such as adolescents, young adults, and persons with advanced cancer.…”