Cardiorespiratory fitness in breast cancer survivors: a randomised controlled trial of home-based smartphone supported high intensity interval training

Abstract

Background A strategy for maintaining and/ or improving cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the growing population of cancer survivors is of major clinical importance, especially in the COVID-19 era. The effect of unsupervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on increasing CRF in breast cancer survivors is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether the newly developed habit-B programme, which involves home-based smartphone-supported HIIT using body weight exercises, improves CRF in early-stage breast cancer survivors. Methods This single-centre, 12-week, parallel-group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial involved 50women with stage I–IIa breast cancer, aged 20–59 years, who had completed initial treatment except for hormone therapy. Participants were randomised to either the exercise or control group. The primary outcome was the 12-week change in peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). Other outcomes included muscle strength, 6min walk test, resting heart rate, physical activity, fatigue, safety and quality of life. Results The change in V̇O2peak and leg strength increased significantly in the exercise group compared with the control group (p<0.01). Changes in other outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion A home-based HIIT intervention can lead to improve CRF and muscle strength in early-stage breast cancer survivors.