Effects of Home-Based Exercise Program on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Quality of Life: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent symptom that negatively affects quality of life. Exercise is a beneficial intervention for managing peripheral neuropathy; however, insufficient evidence remains in this regard.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a home-based exercise program in reducing the severity and symptoms of CIPN and improving quality of life.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 72 participants (intervention: n = 37, control: n = 35), with data collected from September 2020 to August 2022. The intervention group followed a home-based exercise program twice daily for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received standard care. Peripheral neuropathy severity was measured using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, whereas symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Quality-of-Life Questionnaire and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire.

Results: Peripheral neuropathy symptom scores were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at 8 weeks postintervention (P < .001). The effect size for sensory and motor neuropathy scores was large (d = 3.47 and d = 2.76, respectively). Quality-of-life scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group postintervention (P < .001), with a large effect size (η2 = 0.45).

Conclusion: A home-based exercise program reduced the severity and symptoms of CIPN and improved quality of life.

Implications for practice: A home-based exercise program with sensory, strengthening, and balance exercises can be integrated into patient care as a nursing practice to improve CIPN symptoms and quality of life.