Assessing Fidelity in Yoga Interventions for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Decision-Making to Enhance Protocol Quality Adherence

Background: Yoga interventions need fidelity monitoring to standardize the trial process and ensure adherence. We examined fidelity measures of current yoga trials and developed a fidelity assurance process in a phase III randomized clinical trial addressing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy among cancer survivors.

Methods: We qualitatively analyzed the fidelity monitoring components in published clinical trials on yoga therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy through a literature search in PubMed from inception to February 2023. Leveraging fidelity measures for community-based, complex interventions and yoga therapy reporting guidelines, we developed an instructor/participant-oriented fidelity checking approach in an ongoing phase III trial evaluating yoga for improving chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer survivors. Two researchers independently assessed 4 of 8 video recordings of yoga instructor-led training sessions (50%) and participant-kept home practice logs using a developed fidelity checklist.

Results: None of the 4 eligible yoga trials specifically have intervention fidelity measures. We prospectively incorporated yoga instructor training, virtual delivery, and participant engagement strategies in the phase III trial protocol following guidelines. All trial yoga instructors were trained under study protocol to ensure compliance and participant engagement. There was high intervention fidelity in all instructor-led virtual sessions: an average of 100% adherence to class structure and three-thirds on specific skills. Assessment of participant adherence to the established home yoga protocol was 63%.

Conclusion: Yoga trials for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy need adequate fidelity measures. Our study provides a feasible fidelity-monitoring approach to ensure trial intervention delivery and protocol adherence by instructors and participants in oncological settings.