Concurrent high-intensity interval plus resistance training improves vascular health in breast cancer survivors with high chemotherapy exposure

TL;DR

An 8-week training program combining high-intensity and resistance exercises improved vascular health in breast cancer survivors, especially those with high chemotherapy exposure.

Contribution

The study shows that concurrent training can improve vascular and muscle outcomes in breast cancer survivors with varying chemotherapy exposure.

Findings

High chemotherapy survivors showed reduced carotid intima-media thickness and improved flow-mediated dilation.

Both groups experienced increased brachial artery diameter and muscle strength.

Vascular improvements were more pronounced in those with higher chemotherapy exposure.

Abstract

The aim was to determine the effects of 8 weeks of concurrent training of abbreviated high-intensity interval-training and low–load resistance training (CTHIIT+RT) on functional and structural vascular outcomes of breast cancer survivors with a history of high or low exposure to chemotherapy sessions.

Breast cancer survivor women (n = 21, 58.7 ± 8.7 years) were divided into high– (HVchemo, n = 11) or low–volume chemotherapy groups (LVchemo, n = 10). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid intima–media maximum (cIMTmax) were the primary outcomes, while flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima–media average (cIMTav), baseline brachial artery diameter (Dbase), peak diameter (Dpeak), and one-repetition maximum tests for the biceps (1RMbc), shoulder (1RMsp), back (1RMback), and leg extension (1RMLeg) served as secondary outcomes.

PWV decreased in the LVchemo group (∆˗1.64 m⋅s− 1, p < 0.001) but not in the HVchemo group. cIMTmax was reduced only in the HVchemo group (∆˗0.23 mm, p = 0.024). FMD was significantly increased in the HVchemo (∆+5.06%, p = 0.023) but not in the LVchemo group. HVchemo and LVchemo groups increased Dbase (∆+0.38 mm, p = 0.005; and ∆+0.16 mm, p < 0.0001) and Dpeak (∆+0.32 mm, p = 0.008; and ∆+0.12 mm, p < 0.0001). HVchemo and LVchemo groups increase 1RMbc (∆+2.3 kg; and ∆+2.09 kg), 1RMsp (∆+2.15 kg; and ∆+2.36 kg), 1RMback (∆+4.4 kg; and ∆+4.58 kg), and 1RMLeg (∆+6.15 kg; and ∆+5.27 kg), all p < 0.01.

Eight weeks of CTHIIT+RT in women breast cancer survivors who received higher chemotherapy volume reduces cIMTmax, but increases FMD, Dbase, Dpeak, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength. Vascular improvements were partially observed in subjects with lower chemotherapy volumes.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40659-026-00677-y.

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