Effect of Exercise Intervention on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms in Cancer Patients: A Meta-analysis

Background Exercise has been widely used to improve chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in cancer patients in recent years; however, there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of exercise intervention in cancer patients. Objective This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of exercise intervention in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in cancer patients and to explore effective exercise intervention characteristics by comparing the effects of different exercise prescriptions. Methods Ten databases were systematically searched from published up to May 2024. The studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The statistical analyses were performed in Stata 17.0. Results A total of 21 studies with 775 participants were included. The pooled results showed that exercise significantly reduced the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms; relieved neuropathic pain; enhanced balance function, muscle strength, physical flexibility, and physical endurance; and improved the quality of life of cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, both compared with patients in the usual care group and with patients’ baseline symptoms before exercise. However, no significant improvement in fear of falling was observed. Conclusions Exercise is an effective way of managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The patient’s age, exercise cycles, and frequency can affect the effect of the intervention. Implications for Practice Oncology nurses can significantly manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in cancer patients through exercise intervention. Further research is necessary to explore the most suitable characteristics of exercise intervention to achieve optimal intervention effectiveness.