Effects of exercise intensity on cardiovascular disease risk factors in cancer

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training and continuous low to moderate intensity training on quality of life, functional capacity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in cancer survivors. Methods: Cancer survivors within 24 months post diagnosis, were randomly assigned into the low-volume high-intensity interval training group (n = 8) or the continuous low to moderate intensity training group (n = 8) group for 36 sessions (12 weeks) of supervised exercise. The low-volume highintensity interval training (LVHIIT) group performed 7 x 30 second intervals (≥ 85% maximal heart rate) and the continuous low to moderate intensity training (CLMIT) group performed continuous aerobic training for 20 minutes (≤ 55% maximal heart rate) on a stationary bike or treadmill. Results: Significant main effects (time) were observed for weight (p = 0.003), hip circumference (p = 0.013), waist circumference (p < 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.001). Similarly, improvements were observed in mean arterial pressure (p = 0.044), central systolic pressure (p = 0.009), pulse pressure (p = 0.011), augmentation pressure (p = 0.032) central diastolic pressure (p = 0.032). Participants in the LVHIIT showed more pronounced performance improvements in sit to stand (p < 0.01) and the six minute walk test (p = 0.002). Conclusion: These preliminary findings would tend to suggest that both interventions can induce improvements in quality of life, functional capacity and selected cardiovascular disease risk factors. Although the LVHIIT was well tolerated by the participants it is unclear from our results if that specific modality is superior to the CLMIT intervention. A larger sample size with a control group is required to confirm the significance of these findings.