Exercise Intervention for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Prevalence and Effectiveness of Exercise on Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Oncology Patients

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy that can negatively impact patients' functional status and quality of life. This study was conducted in two phases among oncology patients receiving chemotherapy at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Chennai, India. Phase I used a descriptive survey design to determine the prevalence of CIPN. Phase II employed a randomized controlled experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured exercise program in reducing CIPN symptoms among patients with mild to moderate CIPN. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received education and supervised exercises involving lower and upper extremity movements, while the control group received routine care. Outcomes were assessed using the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Scale before and after a 21-day intervention period.

This quantitative study was conducted in two phases. Phase I assessed the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy among oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. A total of 282 participants were enrolled.

Based on the prevalence findings, Phase II was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a structured exercise program. One hundred and twenty patients with mild or moderate CIPN were randomly allocated into intervention (n=60) and control (n=60) groups using a lottery method. The intervention consisted of education regarding CIPN and a structured exercise program including toe flexion and extension, ankle circles, toe spreading, heel raises, finger extension stretches, pinch grips, and finger circles. Exercises were performed 10-15 repetitions per extremity, 2-3 times daily, for 21 days.

Participants in the control group received routine oncology care. CIPN severity was measured before and after the intervention using the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than 18 years
• Receiving chemotherapy
• Diagnosed with mild or moderate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
• Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pre-existing peripheral neuropathy unrelated to chemotherapy (e.g., diabetic neuropathy).
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
• Significant cardiovascular disease.
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders.
• Contraindications to exercise, including recent surgery, bone metastases, or severe anemia.
• Severe mobility limitations.
• Severe mental health conditions affecting participation.