Development of an Exercise Program to Reduce – Severity and Improve Quality of life in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect that significantly affects the daily functioning and quality of life of cancer patients. Exercise has been suggested as a non-pharmacological strategy to alleviate CIPN symptoms. This study systematically reviewed related literature and developed an exercise program specifically for colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
Objective: To synthesize evidence on the characteristics and clinical outcomes of exercise programs for CIPN, and to develop and preliminarily evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program on symptom severity and quality of life in patients with oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy receiving oxaliplatin.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PICO framework across Thai and international databases. The findings were synthesized and used to design an evidence-based exercise program. The program was implemented with 30 purposively selected participants and evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 6 using validated assessment tools.
Results: Among the reviewed studies, three showed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group compared to controls, and two reported enhanced quality of life. The preliminary trial found that participants had improved motor-related quality of life at weeks 4 and 6 compared to baseline, although sensory and autonomic symptoms did not significantly improve.
Conclusion: The developed exercise program shows potential for enhancing quality of life, alleviating motor symptoms associated with CIPN in patients undergoing oxaliplatin chemotherapy, and reducing suffering in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.