Abstract P4-10-21: High-intensity interval training in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review
Authors: Tsuji Katsunori , Matsuoka Yutaka J , Ochi Eisuke 
Published: March 2022

Background: To review the settings and outcomes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions for breast cancer survivors, and to explore the feasibility of prescribing exercise for breast cancer survivors. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted for studies published up to May 31, 2020. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials of HIIT intervention in breast cancer survivors. Studies were grouped by whether the intervention was conducted during or after breast cancer treatment, and intervention methods and outcomes were reviewed within each group. Results: Twenty-six studies were identified, and 13 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Intervention was conducted during treatment in 8 studies, and after treatment in 5. Intervention duration ranged from 3 to 16 weeks, with 2 or 3 sessions per week, for a total of 9 to 36 sessions. All interventions were supervised; 12 were lab-based, and 1 was community-based. One of most promising outcomes was improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness by HIIT. Conclusion: This review found that all studies on HIIT for breast cancer survivors investigated lab-based, supervised interventions, but not home-based or unsupervised. HIIT is a time-efficient method for increasing cardiovascular function in breast cancer survivors, but further research is necessary to determine its effects on other outcomes.

Table 1.Characteristics of the included studies with intervention during treatmentStudySample sizeDuration and frequency (total times)ModeIntensityInterval and recovery durationsSupervised. OR. UnsupervisedLab-based. OR. Home and community-basedLee et al.308 weeks, 3×/week (24)Cycle ergometer90% Peak Power Output7×1 min cycling, 2 min active recovery, total 19 minSupervised by exercise trainerLab-basedMijwel et al.18216 weeks, 2×/week (32)Cycle ergometer16-18 RPE3×3 min cycling, 1 min passive recovery, total 11 minSupervised by exercise physiologist or oncology nurseLab-basedMijwel et al.2316 weeks, 2×/week (32)Cycle ergometer16-18 RPE3×3 min cycling, 1 min passive recovery, total 11 minSupervised by exercise physiologist or oncology nurseLab-basedMijwel et al.20616 weeks, 2×/week (32)Cycle ergometer16-18 RPE3×3 min cycling, 1 min passive recovery, total 11 minSupervised by exercise physiologist or oncology nurseLab-basedSchulz et al.166 weeks, 2×/week (12)Cycle ergometer85-100%VO2peak10×1 min cycling, 1 min load-less recovery, total 19 minSupervised by professionalLab-based

Table 2.Characteristics of the included studies with intervention after treatmentStudySample sizeDuration and frequency (total times)ModeIntensityInterval and recovery durationsSupervised . or . UnsupervisedLab-based. or. Home and community-basedAlizadeh AM et al.5212 weeks, 3×/week (36)Treadmill90-95% HRmax4×4 min running, 3 min passive recovery, total 25 minSupervised by exercise physiologistLab-basedAlizadeh S et al.8012 weeks, 3×/week (36)Treadmill90-95% HRmax4×4 min running, 3 min passive recovery, total 25 minSupervised by exercise physiologistLab-basedNorthey et al.1712 weeks, 3×/week (36)Cycle ergometerMaximal effort4×30 s, 2 min rest, total 10 minSupervised, supervisor not describedLab-basedDolan et al.336 weeks, 3×/week (18)TreadmillInitial: 65% VO2peak, Interval 50% VO2peak. Last: 95% VO2peak, Interval: &lt; 60% VO2peakFirst week: 4-6×4 min, 3 min interval, total 25-39 min. last week: 4-6×2 min, 2 min interval, total 25-39 minSupervised, supervisor not describedLab-based

Citation Format: Katsunori Tsuji, Yutaka J Matsuoka, Eisuke Ochi. High-intensity interval training in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-10-21.