Citation

Galantino ML, Tiger R, Brooks J, Jang S, Wilson K. Integr. Cancer Ther. 2019; 18: e1534735419850627.

Affiliation

1 School of Health Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1534735419850627

PMID

31131640

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) syndrome causes significant pain as an adverse effect of treatment, with few nonpharmacological interventions tested. A somatic yoga and meditation (SYM) intervention on functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) was investigated. DESIGN AND METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with CIPN were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm, mixed-methods feasibility trial. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: In an outpatient rehabilitation center, ten participants with median age 64.4 years (47-81) attended 61% of the sessions with no adverse events. INTERVENTION: SYM twice a week for 8 weeks for 1.5 hours, with home program and journaling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary functional outcomes included Sit and Reach (SR), Functional Reach (FR), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Self-reported Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Neurotoxicity (FACT-GOG-NTX) were secondary CIPN outcomes. Biomarkers included salivary cortisol (stress) and bioesthesiometer (vibration).

RESULTS: Quantitative findings. Significant improvements were found in flexibility (SR; P =.006); balance (FR; P =.001) and fall risk (TUG; P =.004). PNQ improved significantly ( P =.003) with other measures improving non-significantly. Qualitative findings. Five themes emerged: (1) vacillation of CIPN pain perception over time; (2) transferability of skills to daily activities; (3) improvement in physical function; (4) perceived relaxation as an effect of SYM; and (5) group engagement provided a social context for not feeling isolated with CIPN.

CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest SYM may improve QOL, flexibility, and balance in cancer survivors with CIPN, with a fully powered randomized controlled trial indicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03786055.

Language: en

Keywords

cancer survivorship; fall risk; function; neuropathy; quality of life; somatic yoga