Game-like interactive exercise versus visual feedback in patients with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy post mastectomy: A randomized comparative study

Abstract

Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most frequent side effects of antineoplastic agents, with a prevalence of 19 to 85%. In terms of clinical manifestations, CIPN is primarily a sensory neuropathy with motor and autonomic alterations of varying intensity and duration. CIPN consider as major problem for both cancer patients and survivors, as well as for their healthcare providers, possibly increasing the risk of falling. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of game-like interactive exercise versus visual feedback training on the risk of falling and sensory integration in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after mastectomy. Methods: In this randomized comparative study, 30 female patients diagnosed with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after mastectomy were randomly allocated into two equal groups; group (A) underwent game-like interactive exercise using the Biodex Balance System (BBS), while group (B) underwent a visual feedback training program using BBS. The treatment was applied for three sessions per week for four consecutive weeks. All subjects in both groups were assessed using the fall risk index and sensory integration test (sway index) in four sensory conditions at baseline and at the end of the study for both groups.