A new review looked at whether exercise could help reduce the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The findings suggest that regular physical activity may be one of the most effective non-drug approaches for improving nerve function, reducing symptoms, and helping breast cancer survivors maintain their quality of life.
What Is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy happens when chemotherapy damages the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms may include:
- Numbness in the hands or feet.
- Tingling or “pins and needles.”
- Burning or shooting pain.
- Muscle weakness.
- Difficulty with balance.
- Trouble using the hands for everyday tasks.
For some people, symptoms improve after chemotherapy ends. For others, they can continue for years and affect daily life.
Why Did Researchers Study Exercise?
There are currently few effective treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy once it develops.
Researchers have become interested in exercise because physical activity may help:
- Improve blood flow to nerves.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Support nerve repair.
- Improve muscle strength and balance.
- Reduce fatigue.
- Improve overall quality of life.
Unlike medications, exercise may also provide many additional health benefits for breast cancer survivors.
What Did the Review Find?
The researchers reviewed studies examining different types of exercise in breast cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
They found that exercise was associated with improvements in several important areas.
Women who participated in structured exercise programs often experienced:
- Less numbness and tingling.
- Reduced nerve pain.
- Better balance.
- Improved muscle strength.
- Greater walking ability.
- Better overall physical function.
Many studies also found improvements in fatigue and quality of life.
Although the exercise programs varied, the overall findings consistently suggested that staying physically active can help manage neuropathy symptoms.
Which Types of Exercise Were Most Helpful?
The review found benefits from several different forms of exercise.
These included:
- Walking programs.
- Strength or resistance training.
- Balance exercises.
- Aerobic exercise.
- Combined exercise programs that included more than one type of activity.
Researchers suggest that combining strength, balance, and aerobic exercise may provide the greatest overall benefit because each targets a different aspect of physical function.
The best program depends on a person’s fitness level, symptoms, and overall health.
Can Exercise Prevent Neuropathy?
The review suggests exercise may not only help reduce existing symptoms but could also lower the risk of developing severe neuropathy during chemotherapy.
However, researchers say larger clinical trials are still needed to determine the best type of exercise, how often it should be performed, and when patients should begin exercising during treatment.
Exercise should be viewed as one part of an overall supportive care plan rather than a replacement for medical treatment.
What This Means for You
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can have a lasting impact on daily life, but this review offers encouraging evidence that exercise may help reduce symptoms while improving strength, balance, and overall quality of life.
If you are receiving chemotherapy or recovering from breast cancer treatment, talk with your healthcare team before starting a new exercise program. A plan designed around your abilities and treatment goals may help you stay active safely while supporting both your recovery and long-term health.
Source
- Saint C, et al. Exercise and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Review. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2024. doi:10.1007/s10549-024-07342-6. Accessed by: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-024-07342-6
