Feasibility of a Six Week High Intensity Interval Training Program in Patients with Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized Pilot Study

Abstract

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has become a mainstream, frequently investigated form of exercise training and has been used as a modality for physical activity in cancer patients. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients performing a program of HIIT. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate a HIIT program for these patients. Ten participants were recruited for this study. Five were controls and five were in the intervention group. The HIIT program took place twice a week for six weeks. Measurements of physical fitness were determined at baseline and six weeks (six-minute walk test, musculoskeletal tests and a balance test). HIIT was performed on an ergocycle. Training consisted of a five-minute warm up, followed by repeated intervals of 10 seconds of high intensity and 60 seconds of low intensity, ending with a three-minute cool down. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was measured using the Borg scale. During HIIT, participants progressed in the number of intervals performed. Intensity as measured in watts more than doubled during the program. The RPE did not significantly change. Advanced NSCLC patients are able to do HIIT. They show progression in intensity and number of intervals. RPE was maintained, suggesting that participants were capable of maintaining an elevated exercise intensity at every training session. Results show that HIIT produces physiological improvements. Thus, HIIT is feasible and is well received as a training modality by advanced NSCLC patients. It is safe with good compliance, and more interestingly demonstrated muscle power improvement in a short six-week period of intervention.