Research into Practice: Does Low Volume High-Intensity Interval Training Elicit Superior Benefits to Continuous Low to Moderate-Intensity Training in Cancer Survivors?

Introduction: Exercise is increasingly being used as part of standard care for cancer survivors. The optimal evidencebased exercise guidelines for cancer survivors are not clear. This study aimed to determine the impact of low volume highintensity interval training (LVHIIT) and continuous low to moderate-intensity exercise training (CLMIT) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and health outcomes in cancer survivors.
Methods: Sedentary cancer survivors (n = 75, aged 51 ± 12 y) within 24 months of diagnosis, randomised into three groups for 12 weeks of LVHIIT (n = 25), CLMIT (n = 25) or control group (n = 25). Exercise intervention involved 36 sessions (three sessions per week). The LVHIIT group performed 7 x 30s intervals, a 60 second rest in between, and the CLMITgroup performed continuous aerobic training for 20 min on a stationary bike. Variables were measured at baseline and 12 weeks and analysed using a 3 x 2 (group x time) repeated measures ANCOVA. 
Results: There was an interaction effect (p < 0.01) after 12 weeks for six-minute walk test (p < 0.01; d = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.36 – 1.56, large ), sit to stand test (p <0.01; d = - 0.83; 95% CI = -1.40 - -0.22, large ) and waist circumference reduction (p = 0.01; d = - 0.48; CI = -1.10 – 0.10, medium ) in the LVHIIT group compared with CLMIT and control groups. There was an interaction effect (p < 0.01) for quality of life for both the LVHIIT (ES 1.05) and CLMIT (ES 0.16) compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Low-volume high-intensity training shows promise as an effective alternative to traditional exercise prescription in the cancer population, improving cardio-respiratory fitness and lower body strength and decreasing waist circumference compared with CLMIT. Both LVHIIT and CLMIT improved quality of life. A benefit of LVHIIT is the short duration (3 mins) of exercise, which may entice more cancer survivors to participate in exercise to improve health outcomes, reducing risk of CVD.