Effects of Sensorimotor Training on Pain Intensity, Perceived Balance Confidence and Functional Exercise Capacity With Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent and clinically relevant side effect of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. It occurs in 30-70% of cases. It can cause various sensory and motor symptoms. Specific exercise interventions have proven promising to target relevant symptoms. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the effects of Sensorimotor training on pain intensity, perceived balance confidence, and functional exercise capacity with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients.
• Females with invasive ductal carcinoma, stages I-III
• Age ranged between 30-65 years
• 3-6 months post breast cancer diagnosis
• Those who have completed chemotherapy treatment and are medically stable
• CIPN symptoms as subjectively assessed by FACT/GOG-Ntx. Score ranges from 0-44 (5). 0 - 10: Minimal or no neurotoxicity symptoms, 11 - 20: Mild neurotoxicity symptoms, 21 - 30: Moderate neurotoxicity symptoms, 31 - 40: Severe neurotoxicity symptoms, 41 - 44: Very severe neurotoxicity symptoms
• For balance testing Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale was used. 0-19 = high risk of falls, 20-29 = moderate balance impairment, 30-40 = good balance. The cut off value is ≤ 25/40 Points.
• Objective neurological testing such as Achilles and patellar tendon reflexes (1 = agile, 2 = weak, 3 = missing), peripheral deep sensitivity (0=no sensitivity to 8=highest sensitivity), light touch perception (symmetrical or impaired), sense of position (1 = position recognized, 2 = only position of knee recognized, and 3 = no recognition) and lower leg strength (0 = no activity to 5 = normal force) rated on a Likert-scale