Smith, M.B., & Mulligan, N. (2014). Peripheral neuropathies and exercise. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 30, 131–147. 

DOI Link

Purpose

STUDY PURPOSE: To review the over 100 peripheral neuropathies and to present evidence for exercises that may guide treatment and clinical practice
 
TYPE OF STUDY: General review/\"semi\"-systematic review

Search Strategy

DATABASES USED: PubMed, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases
 
KEYWORDS: Peripheral neuropathy and exercise; peripheral neuropathy and rehabilitation; peripheral neuropathy and physical therapy; individual searches for most prevalent peripheral neuropathies (diabetic neuropathy)
 
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Human, peer-reviewed studies published after January 2009, systematic reviews and quasiexperimental trials
 
EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Not stated

Literature Evaluated

TOTAL REFERENCES RETRIEVED: Not stated outright in the article
 
EVALUATION METHOD AND COMMENTS ON LITERATURE USED: Randomized, controlled trials and quasiexperimental studies were used. Cochrane database results were used to identify additional articles. Specific measurements and criteria were used to evaluate whether articles met inclusion criteria for the duration of the exercise program or intervention used.

Sample Characteristics

  • FINAL NUMBER STUDIES INCLUDED = 13
  • TOTAL PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REVIEW = 590
  • KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: The majority of the studies were of patients with diabetic neuropathy (7 of 13 were exclusively diabetic neuropathy; 8 of 13 were randomized, controlled trials; and 5 of 13 were quasiexperimental).

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship

Results

The variety of interventions and outcome measures made the pooling of data in this literature review difficult. Overall, very few randomized, controlled trials exist in this field. The authors described single study results throughout the study but did not pool the results; rather, they placed them in table. Each study was evaluated separately.

Conclusions

Some evidence supports the use of exercise to improve function in those with peripheral neuropathy. Exercise can improve function, balance, and gait for individuals with polyneuropathies and may delay the onset of peripheral neuropathy when administered long-term. For maximum effect, exercises or interval training were to be performed for 2–3 sessions per week with a minimum of 100 minutes of activity. Some of the exercise regimens may not be feasible in patients with cancer because of other side effects of therapy.

Limitations

Study inclusion was stated but not exclusion. Only 13 studied were evaluated. No pooled data existed—too much heterogeneity. The information may not be useful in oncology because the majority of studies were of patients with diabetes or autoimmune neuropathy.

Nursing Implications

Nurses should focus further research on exercise in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and should educate patients on symptoms and possible interventions for this side effect.

Legacy ID

6251