Tai Chi Easy in Treating Cancer Survivors With Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy

Pilot Study of Effects of Tai Chi Easy on Cancer Survivors Experiencing Neuropathy

This pilot clinical trial studies how well Tai Chi Easy works in treating cancer survivors with peripheral sensory neuropathy. Tai Chi Easy is a simple and repetitive form of exercise that consists of movements with meditation and may improve peripheral neuropathy symptoms among cancer survivors.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Examine effects of Tai Chi Easy (TCEasy) exercise intervention on peripheral sensory neuropathy of cancer survivors who have chemotherapy compared with an educational control (EC) intervention.

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 groups.

GROUP I (TAI CHI EASY): Patients attend Tai Chi Easy class for 60 minutes once a week for 6 weeks. Patients also receive a DVD and exercise manual of Tai Chi Easy exercises and are encouraged to practice at home for 30 minutes most days per week for 6 weeks.

GROUP II (EDUCATIONAL CONTROL): Patients receive readings each week and attend a book club to discuss the readings for 60 minutes once a week for 6 weeks.

After completion of study, patients are followed up at 2 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1 month - 5 years following completion of cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment for any cancer, and are experiencing neuropathy
• Self-report of >= 4 on the Peripheral Neuropathy Question

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recurrence of cancer or other active cancer
• Severe cachexia, dizziness, bone pain, or severe nausea (as judged by the investigator)
• Uncontrolled diabetes, untreated hypothyroidism