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 (V˙O2 peak ), and body composition were evaluated in patients of both groups at baseline and after the intervention period. Results: V˙O2 peak 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.