High-intensity interval training versus continuous moderate intensity training: Effects on health outcomes and cardiometabolic disease risk factors in cancer survivors: A pilot study

Background: It is well established that cancer survivors are at an increased risk for developing cardiometabolic disease (CMD). Currently it is unknown if continuous moderate intensity training (CMIT) or high intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective in eliminating this risk as such, the aim of this pilot study was to contrast the effects of HIIT versus CMIT on CMD risk and other health related outcomes.

Methods: Cancer survivors were randomly assigned into a high (n = 8) or moderate (n = 8) intensity 36 session (12 week) supervised exercise program. The HIIT group performed interval training (≥85% maximal heart rate) and the moderate intensity group (MIG) performed continuous aerobic training (≥55% maximal heart rate).

Results: Significant changes in quality of life (QoL) and waist circumference (WC) in the moderate intensity group (MIG) (QoL p = 0.04; WC p = 0.03) and QoL, (HC), six minute walk test (6MWT), sit to stand (STS), mean arterial pressure (MAP), central systolic pressure (CSP), pulse pressure (PP), central diastolic pressure (CDP) insulin reduction, hip circumference (HC) and WC (QoL p = 0.01; 6MWT p = 0.01; STS p = 0.01; MAP p = 0.04; CSP p = 0.01; PP p = 0.02; CDP p = 0.04; insulin p = 0.03; HC p = 0.04; WC p = 0.01) in the high intensity group (HIG).

Discussion: The results from this pilot study show that high intensity interval training is well received and imparts favourable benefits for exercising cancer survivors. A larger sample size is required to confirm the significance of these findings