High‐intensity interval training improves metabolic syndrome in women with breast cancer receiving Anthracyclines

Introduction Anthracycline chemotherapy is a frequent treatment for breast cancer, whereas it can increase risk of physiologic side‐effects, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Exercise has been used as a non‐pharmacological strategy to decrease MetS. Specifically, high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve MetS in patients with diabetes or cardiac rehabilitation patients; however, the effects of HIIT on MetS and associated biomarkers in patients with breast cancer receiving anthracycline chemotherapy have not been previously explored. Therefore, we purposed to determine the effects of HIIT on MetS in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. Methods In total, 30 patients with breast cancer were recruited prior to initiating treatment and randomized into HIIT (n = 15) or control (n = 15). The HIIT group attended supervised cycling sessions 3 days/week for 8 weeks. MetS was assessed by waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL–C), triglycerides, and glucose. Circulating levels of MetS‐related biomarkers were also measured (total cholesterol, insulin, HbA1c, leptin, adiponectin, and c‐reactive protein). Results After 8 weeks, MetS z‐score was significantly improved in the HIIT group compared with controls (−7.60, 95% CI: −9.08 to −6.13, p