Exploring Effects of Modified Trampoline Training v/s Proprioceptive Training on Balance in Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Context: Chemotherapy Treatment-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), is a significant side effect of anti-neoplastic treatment faced by cancer patients. CIPN results in sensory-motor deficiencies, altered proprioceptive signals, and poor posture control, increasing the risk of fall. Modified trampoline training is a recent rehabilitation method that can stimulate proprioception. However, its effects in cancer patients with CIN remain unexplored. The study’s objective was to examine and compare the effects of Modified Trampoline Training (MTT) and Conventional Proprioception Training (CPT) on balance in cancer patients with CIPN. Study Designs and Settings: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the tertiary care center, Miraj. Methods: The study included male and female patients aged between 41-60 years, suffering from colorectal cancer who are receiving or have received chemotherapy and were experiencing the symptoms of CIPN. A total of 26 patients were divided into two equal groups. Group A received MTT and Group B received CPT for 3 days/week for 4 weeks. The outcome measure was balance which was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Upand- Go test (TUG). Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed using paired and independent t-tests for within and between groups respectively. Results: Within-group analysis showed statistically significant improvement in all the outcomes for both groups (p<0.01). Between groups, the analysis revealed that the MTT group showed better improvement for BSS (p<0.0) and TUG (p = 0.01) than the control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that MTT is more effective than CPT in improving balance in cancer patients with CIPN.