Visovsky, C., Bovaird, J., & Tofthagen, C., & Rice, J. (214). Heading Off Peripheral Neuropathy with Exercise: The HOPE Study. Nursing and Health, 2, 115–121. 

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of an aerobic and strength training program on neurotoxic symptoms, gait, balance, and quality of life in women with breast cancer treated with taxol

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Women with breast cancer treated with taxol were randomized to either a strength/aerobic exercise program, which they performed at home, or to breast cancer education. The program was conducted for 12 weeks. Data were collected at baseline, every four weeks, and then three months postintervention. Education was provided to the control group, occurred at the same intervals as study group assessments, and lasted for 45 minutes. They also received reminder telephone calls every other week for data collection and equalized contact.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 19  
  • AGE = 48.8 years
  • FEMALES: 100%
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients newly diagnosed with stage I–IIIa breast cancer
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Eight patients had a lumpectomy, six had a mastectomy, and five received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Setting

  • SITE: Single site    
  • SETTING TYPE: Outpatient  
  • LOCATION: Oncology clinic in the Midwest

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

  • Randomized, controlled trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Taxane
  • Timed Up and Go Test
  • Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire
  • Symptom Experience Scale

Results

No significant differences existed in results between the groups regarding neurotoxic symptoms, gait or balance, or quality of life. No significant differences existed between groups regarding stage of disease, level of exercise, age, taxol dose, or breast cancer symptoms.

Conclusions

The results indicated that patients randomized to the exercise group experienced a small but insignificant positive effect on neurotoxic symptoms, gait, and balance.

Limitations

  • Small sample (<  30)
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • Findings not generalizable

Nursing Implications

Home exercise programs produced a small to moderate positive effect on gait and balance, symptoms, and quality of life. A large, randomized trial with patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy will help determine if this can be a positive intervention.