Abstract

Background 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. Methods 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 (cIMT(max)) were the primary outcomes, while flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media average (cIMT(av)), baseline brachial artery diameter (D-base), peak diameter (D-peak), and one-repetition maximum tests for the biceps (1RM(bc)), shoulder (1RM(sp)), back (1RM(back)), and leg extension (1RM(Leg)) served as secondary outcomes. Results PWV decreased in the LVchemo group (triangle-1.64 m & sdot;s(- 1), p < 0.001) but not in the HVchemo group. cIMT(max) was reduced only in the HVchemo group (triangle-0.23 mm, p = 0.024). FMD was significantly increased in the HVchemo (triangle+5.06%, p = 0.023) but not in the LVchemo group. HVchemo and LVchemo groups increased D-base (triangle+0.38 mm, p = 0.005; and triangle+0.16 mm, p < 0.0001) and D-peak (triangle+0.32 mm, p = 0.008; and triangle+0.12 mm, p < 0.0001). HVchemo and LVchemo groups increase 1RM(bc) (triangle+2.3 kg; and triangle+2.09 kg), 1RM(sp) (triangle+2.15 kg; and triangle+2.36 kg), 1RM(back) (triangle+4.4 kg; and triangle+4.58 kg), and 1RM(Leg) (triangle+6.15 kg; and triangle+5.27 kg), all p < 0.01. Conclusions Eight weeks of CTHIIT+RT in women breast cancer survivors who received higher chemotherapy volume reduces cIMT(max), but increases FMD, D-base, D-peak, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength. Vascular improvements were partially observed in subjects with lower chemotherapy volumes.