Effect of high-intensity interval training on clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients undergoing surgery: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
In brief
High-intensity interval training cuts postoperative lung infection risk by about 60%
A meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials found that pre-operative HIIT lowered the odds of pulmonary infection by roughly two-thirds and atelectasis by about 70% in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. It also boosted exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life, suggesting a valuable pre-hab tool, though implementation protocols vary and larger trials are needed.
- Journal
- Frontiers in medicine (Q1)
- Published
- 10 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Dongjun Li, Hongxia Chen, Qianyu Zuo, Fulong Lv, Kuanhong Shen, Mao Sun
- PMID
- 42500527
- DOI
- 10.3389/fmed.2026.1868572
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Oncology and Radiation Oncology (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026): HIIT meta‑analysis for lung cancer surgery outcomes
- Picked for Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
- Picked for Surgery (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026): HIIT reduces pulmonary complications after lung surgery
- Picked for Infectious Diseases (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients undergoing surgery based on available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), the Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases were searched from their inception to 3 November 2025. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications such as pulmonary infection and atelectasis. The secondary outcomes included the postoperative length of stay (LOS), exercise capacity, pulmonary function, quality of life, respiratory muscle strength, and emotional outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 11 RCTs were included in the study. Pooled results revealed that HIIT significantly reduced the risk of pulmonary infection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, p = 0.002) and atelectasis (OR = 0.30, p < 0.001). In addition, HIIT significantly improved exercise capacity, as evidenced by increases in peak oxygen uptake (MD) = 4.31 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001; MD = 0.24 L/min, p = 0.01) and 6-min walk distance (MD = 44.50 m, p = 0.04). HIIT also enhanced pulmonary function, with significant improvements in forced expiratory volume in one second (MD = 0.13 L, p = 0.03), forced vital capacity (MD = 0.19 L, p < 0.001), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MD = 3.19 L/min, p = 0.002; MD = 3.45%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, quality of life improved as assessed by the SF-36 (overall score: MD = 8.32, p < 0.001; physical component: MD = 7.04, p < 0.001), and emotional status improved, reflected by decreased SAS scores (MD = -6.90, p < 0.001) and FoP-Q-SF scores (MD = -5.12, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Based on available evidence, HIIT may improve clinical outcomes among surgical lung cancer patients, such as decreasing risk of postoperative pulmonary infection and atelectasis and increasing pulmonary function, highlighting its potential clinical application in patients with lung cancer undergoing surgery.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.