High-intensity interval resistance and cardiorespiratory training in cancer survivors

Both resistance (RT) and cardiorespiratory (CRT) exercise can improve physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors (CS). However, the order of exercises may alter benefits as fatigue from the first modality may affect adaptations from the second. To determine which order (i.e., RT or CRT first) is most beneficial in CS during a 10-week supervised, individualized and progressive exercise intervention, 50 CS (40 females, 10 males, age = 71 ± 14 years) were randomized into either RT followed by CRT, or CRT followed by RT. Pre- and post-intervention tests included: sit-to-stand, biceps curl, grip strength, seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), plank, sit-ups/crunches for muscle strength and endurance, six-minute walk test (6MWT) and 20-step test for cardiorespiratory fitness, eight-foot up-and-go, unipedal balance, and sit-and-reach for functional testing, 7-site skinfolds for body composition, and self-reported questionnaires for QoL. There were no significant differences between groups for any measure (p > .05). CS significantly improved muscle strength (SMBT, sit-ups/crunches, plank, biceps curl), cardiorespiratory fitness (6MWT distance, time for 20-step test), body composition (decreased fat mass, increased lean mass) and QoL. CS showed physical fitness, function, body composition, and QoL improvements after a 10-week high-intensity interval training exercise intervention.