Physical Training: The Key to Preventing Nerve Damage During Chemotherapy

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Peripheral neuropathy due to chemotherapy (CIPN) is a common side effect in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. CIPN can cause chronic pain, balance issues, and severely affect quality of life. However, recent research from University of Basel and German Sport University Cologne has brought new hope: physical exercise can reduce the risk of CIPN by 50-70%. This finding not only increases the effectiveness of treatment but also improves the survival rate of cancer patients.

According to the study, neuromuscular exercises such as sensory motor training (SMT) and whole-body vibration (WBV) not only help prevent CIPN but also improve the quality of life for patients. In a 5-year randomized trial with 158 participants, the group performing SMT and WBV showed nearly half the incidence of CIPN compared to the group that only received standard care. Moreover, these patients required fewer medication adjustments and had a lower mortality rate.

“Physical exercise offers significant benefits in preventing CIPN without the need for high costs or complex methods.” – Fiona Streckmann, University of Basel, 2023

A key aspect of the study is the simplicity and effectiveness of these exercises. By doing just 2 sessions per week, each lasting 15-30 minutes, patients were able to significantly reduce their risk of CIPN. According to Dr. Melinda Irwin, Deputy Director of the Yale Cancer Center, this is a “practice-changing discovery” due to its easy applicability in clinical settings and at home.

Additionally, experts such as Dr. Diana Garrett, Providence Saint John’s Women’s Health & Best Health Center, emphasize the important role of exercise in supporting the immune system and maintaining muscle health. She recommends that patients should engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, prioritizing activities they enjoy such as brisk walking or participating in the Exercise for Cancer Patients (EXCAP) program.

Not limited to preventing CIPN, physical exercise also helps enhance blood circulation, stimulate immune cells, and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. With low cost, high effectiveness, and minimal side effects, incorporating exercise into the treatment process is a major advancement in cancer patient care. These positive results open new pathways for medicine, confirming that exercise is not only a way to improve health but also an essential part of the cancer treatment journey.