A Case Where High-intensity Interval Training Helped the Patient to Return to Work after Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

Many post-treatment cancer patients complain of persistent fatigue, which is known to have a significant impact on activities of daily living, quality of life, and reinstatement. We report a case of a 37-year-old man with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who was able to return to work by performing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) after the remission. The diagnosis of AML was made and the treatment started in January X, and the patient reached remission and discharged in June. However, he developed herpes zoster and was unable to return to his job. The patient was referred to our hospital for rehabilitation treatment in December X. The rehabilitation treatment included 40-min HIIT twice a week and commuting practice, as well as gradual support for return-to-work. Cardiopulmonary function improved from 19.2 to 25.7 mL/min/kg of oxygen uptake at anaerobic metabolic threshold, lower limb muscle strength improved from 0.47/0.48 to 0.60/0.55 kgf/kg of knee extension muscle strength ratio (right/left), physical function improved from 14 to 24 times in 30-second chair stand test, Cancer Fatigue Scale improved from 46 to 25 points, and the patient was able to work full time in May X＋1. HIIT improved cardiopulmonary function, muscle strength, physical function, and fatigue, and enabled the patient to return to work. Even after remission, some patients have difficulty returning to work. The results suggest that appropriate follow-up, exercise guidance, and rehabilitation therapy are necessary even after treatment.