Efficacy of the Motivational Interviewing-Walk Intervention for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Quality of Life During Oxaliplatin Treatment: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is prevalent among gastrointestinal cancer survivors and often impairs quality of life (QOL).

Objective: This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to explore the effect of an 8-week home-based brisk walking (the "MI-Walk") intervention on (1) OIPN severity and (2) QOL at 8 weeks, compared with physical activity (PA) education alone in oxaliplatin-receiving adults with gastrointestinal cancer.

Interventions/methods: Participants (N = 57) recruited from 5 infusion sites received PA education at their second oxaliplatin visit, followed by phone assessments of adverse events over 8 weeks. Half (n = 29) received additional MI-Walk intervention motivational supports (eg, a Fitbit Charge 2 and motivational enhancement therapy sessions). Self-reported OIPN, QOL, and PA were measured before and after intervention.

Results: The intervention compared with the control condition had no effect on sensory OIPN (mean difference [] = -0.01; P > .99), motor OIPN (=2.39; P = .17), and QOL (= -1.43; P > .99). Eight-week sensory (=11.48 ± 0.38) and motor OIPN severities ( = 7.48 ± 0.36) were mild but higher than baseline (P ≤ .01). Self-reported PA level increased over time in both groups (=44.85; P = .01). Averaging ≥225 moderate to vigorous PA minutes per week led to less sensory OIPN, particularly finger/hand tingling (= -26.35; P = .01).

Conclusions: This study failed to detect beneficial effects of the MI-Walk intervention; however, the findings suggest that aerobic walking may blunt but not completely prevent OIPN. Further research is necessary.

Implications for practice: Although the effectiveness of brisk walking in reducing OIPN is unclear, this study supports prior evidence that moderate to vigorous PA is beneficial and safe during chemotherapy treatment.