High-Intensity Interval Training for Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue in Survivors of Cancer: Challenges and Solutions for Translation and Implementation in Cancer Rehabilitation

Abstract

Moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise training (MICT) is used to help alleviate symptoms of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in many cancer rehabilitation programs. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become increasingly popular, including several research studies demonstrating promising effects of HIIT on CRF among patients and survivors of cancer. However, we propose that 2 primary limitations exist in the current literature that must be addressed before HIIT should be translated from research studies and implemented in cancer rehabilitation. These limitations are the lack of generalizability of this research and a paucity of studies that have directly compared MICT with HIIT while matching for total exercise volume. In this commentary, we expand on the rationale for the proposed limitations and provide suggestions for future research directions.