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. 2021 Oct:54:102025.
doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102025. Epub 2021 Sep 2.

Occurrence and perceived effectiveness of activities used to decrease chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in the feet

Theodora Ogle  1 , Kimberly Alexander  1 , Patsy Yates  1 , Steven M Paul  2 , Kord M Kober  2 , Yvette P Conley  3 , Mark Schumacher  4 , Jon D Levine  4 , Christine Miaskowski  5
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Occurrence and perceived effectiveness of activities used to decrease chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in the feet

Theodora Ogle et al. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: Investigate the reported use and perceived effectiveness of self-care activities for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms in the feet.

Methods: Cancer survivors with CIPN (n = 405) completed a questionnaire that assessed the use and perceived effectiveness of 25 self-care activities. Effectiveness was rated on a 0 (not at all) to 10 (completely effective) numeric rating scale. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were conducted to identify demographic, clinical, and pain characteristics associated with the use and effectiveness of selected self-care activities.

Results: The five most commonly used activities were: went for a walk (73.8%); watched television (67.8%); read a book, newspaper or magazine (64.4%); listened to radio, music (60.0%); and did exercises (jogging, swimming) (58.6%). The five most effective self-care activities were: had a trigger point injection (8.3 ( ± 1.3)); took tranquilizers (4.8 ( ± 2.6)); went for ultrasonic stimulation treatment (4.3 ( ± 3.1)); used a heating pad or hot water bottle (4.3 ( ± 2.5)); and used a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator (4.2 ( ± 2.6)). Demographic, clinical, and pain characteristics influenced use and perceived effectiveness of selected self-care activities to varying degrees.

Conclusions: Two-thirds of the survivors used at least seven self-care activities to manage CIPN symptoms. The most commonly used activities did not receive the highest effectiveness ratings. Some activities that were rated as highly effective warrant more rigorous evaluation. Survivors can try a range of activities to decrease CIPN symptoms in the feet following discussion of their potential risks and benefits with their clinicians.

Keywords: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; Cold; Exercise; Heat; Pain; Self-care; Self-management.

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