Randomized clinical trial of preventive impact of neuromuscular training on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a highly prevalent and clinically relevant adverse effect of chemotherapy, negatively impacting quality of life. The randomized clinical STOP trial, at four centers in Germany, evaluated sensorimotor training (SMT) and whole-body vibration (WBV) training for prevention of CIPN. The trial included patients receiving oxaliplatin or vinca-alkaloids, who were randomized 1:1:1 to SMT or WBV or treatment as usual (TAU) concomitant with chemotherapy. SMT and WBV were given twice a week in sessions lasting approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Incidence of CIPN was 30% in the SMT group and 41.2% in the WBV group, as compared with 70.6% in the TAU group (Mansel-Haenszel test p=0.002). Among patients participating in at least 75% of the interventions the incidence was 28.6% in the SMT group and 37.5% in the WBV group versus 73.3% in the TAU group. The authors conclude that this trial provided evidence that neuromuscular training was associated with decreased incidence of CIPN (visual abstract).