Effects of Exercise on Balance in Cancer Survivors With Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Balance impairment in cancer survivors can be a consequence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Previous meta-analyses suggested that exercise significantly improved balance, but the results were only based on 3 and 4 primary studies.

Objectives: This meta-analysis examined the effects of exercise on balance in cancer survivors with CIPN and investigated the moderating effects of source, methods, interventions, and participant characteristics.

Methods: We searched 12 electronic databases and 5 websites without date restriction through December 18, 2023, for primary studies examining the effect of exercise to improve balance in cancer survivors with CIPN reported in English. We retrieved 12 studies that provided 14 comparisons (N = 576), coded them, assessed quality indicators, and evaluated effect sizes across studies.

Results: Using the random-effects model, the estimated summary effect (Hedges' g) of exercise on balance was 0.68 (Knapp-Hartung adjusted 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.94; P = .0001) compared with comparison groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that blinded data collectors, intervention fidelity examination, and difference in exercise protocol significantly influenced effect size. Meta-regression analysis showed that session minutes was associated with higher effect sizes.

Conclusion: Exercise with balance training significantly improved balance in cancer survivors. Balance training should be integrated into the current exercise guidelines for cancer survivors with CIPN.

Implications for practice: Nurses should encourage cancer survivors to engage in exercise with balance training when undergoing chemotherapy. Physical function and barriers to exercise should be assessed before delivering exercise interventions. Exercises should be tailored according to individual performance.