PNWaquarist
Aquarium Advice Addict
Doing water changes helps the cycle go faster by removing the backlog of nitrogen compounds the bacteria needs to process. So it does help speed things along
This is only true if your ammonia or nitrite levels are over 5 ppm or so. And even then, that claim is somewhat controversial.
I've never done a fish-in cycle but, as has been stated earlier, you need to test your water parameters daily. If you see *any* ammonia or nitrite, do a 50% WC and add a double dose (at least) of a binding agent such as Prime.