High-intensity cycling reduces risk of metastatic cancer

A study published in the journal Cancer Research claims that high-intensity aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of metastatic cancer by 72%. This recent research adds yet another benefit to interval training. The results were extrapolated from the analysis of mice, so some professionals urge caution.

High-intensity interval cycling is associated with lower risk of metastatic cancer

The research, conducted by Tel Aviv University, has studied for the first time the impact of exercise on the internal organs where metastasis usually develops, such as the lungs, liver and lymph nodes.

The result they have reached is that high-intensity aerobic exercise reduces the risk of metastasis by up to 72%, according to the authors. But why does this happen?

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It must be understood that the energy available in the body is limited. High-intensity aerobic exercise increases the glucose consumption of the internal organs and this, in turn, leaves less glucose (energy) available for the tumor. Therefore, the authors attribute this competition for glucose as the reason for the reduced risk of metastasis with this type of exercise.

The researchers reached this conclusion based on mice and hypothesized that the same would occur in humans, so some experts have been cautious about the discovery.

"By examining the cells of these organs, we discovered an increase in the number of glucose receptors," stated Carmit Levy, lead author. "It turns the organs into efficient energy-consuming machines, much like muscles," Levy continued, explaining.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the research is that people who do this type of exercise regularly retain this condition permanently; that is, the body converts this defense into a fixed one. According to Levy, "the tissues of the internal organs change and become similar to muscle tissue".

From theory to practice: how these benefits apply to cycling

The study is in line with previous research linking exercise as a preventive measure against this disease. Specifically, the finding suggested by the authors of this research may be one more reason to do interval training. In fact, researcher Gepner recommends healthy people to include high intensity in their workouts.

Gepner points out that relatively moderate exercise between 65% and 70% of maximum pulse heart rate will serve to burn fat.

On the other hand, it indicates that sugar burning will come with high-intensity aerobic exercise or, in other words, one that requires between 80% and 85% of the maximum heart rate. Attention should be paid because this exercise should be "during short intervals".

In order to clarify what this means, Gepner gives as an example "a one-minute sprint followed by walking, then another sprint."