Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Combined High-Intensity Interval Training Programs on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alone and combined HIIT programs compared with usual care on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and pain related to cancer or cancer-related treatments. Methods Articles published prior to January 2023 were searched in the following digital databases: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect. Randomized controlled trials were included that met the following criteria: (i) adult cancer patients and survivors (>18 yr old); (ii) HIIT or combined HIIT programs versus usual care; (iii) assessment of fatigue and pain. Cochrane tool was used for assessing Risk of Bias (RoB) and Review Manager (RevMan 5.2) was used for data analysis. Results Based on limited number (12) of studies included, we found HIIT and combined HIIT interventions have significant effect sizes on reducing both CRF (standardized mean difference, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.84; P < 0.001) and cancer-associated pain (standardized mean difference, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.63; P < 0.001). Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that HIIT and combined HIIT programs can reduce CRF and pain.