Effects of Exercise-based Interventions on Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a crippling side effect of some types of chemotherapy. Currently, there are limited treatment options. Symptoms of CIPN can be a limiting factor in treatment length and even arise after one completes chemotherapy. In this systematic review, state of the science on existing research concerning the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions on decreasing CIPN symptoms and falls risks during or post-chemotherapy was examined. Four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched using the following inclusion criteria: participants ages 18 and older, studies written in English, adults with cancer of “all types”, interventions of physical activity, exercise, or balance, and measured CIPN symptoms. Of these, 93 studies were identified, and 11 studies were included in the final sample. The studies’ interventions were categorized into balance, endurance, and multimodal exercises. Importantly, exercise-based interventions especially multimodal exercise programs, should be recommended to cancer patients. A combination of cardiovascular, resistance, and balance exercises is a low risk and feasible method to potentially decrease CIPN symptoms and one’s fall risk. Future research is needed on interventions that target CIPN symptoms.Bachelor of Scienc