Aims
To review and understand current literature on exercise interventions for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This will be achieved by critically exploring exercise types, frequency, intensity, and duration, and the impact it has on patient outcomes to identify current best practice and research gaps.
Methods
A comprehensive search of electronic databases such as SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE and CINAHL was conducted to identify studies investigating exercise interventions for CIPN. Included studies were appraised for methodological quality, and data were extracted on study design, participant characteristics, exercise interventions, and outcomes.
Results
The review identified a limited number of studies exploring exercise interventions for CIPN. Aerobic, resistance, balance, sensorimotor, and multimodal exercise programs have shown promise in improving outcomes, such as, quality of life, strength, balance, and pain management. However, the optimal exercise prescription remains unclear due to the heterogeneity of study designs and populations, and the insufficient detail on exercise types, frequency, intensity, and duration.
Conclusion
Exercise interventions hold potential for managing CIPN symptoms and improving quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer, however there are currently no established exercise guidelines. Relying on general exercise guidelines will likely result in continued poor health outcomes for this population. Further research is needed to understand best practice and establish evidence-based exercise guidelines for individuals diagnosed with cancer and suffering from CIPN.