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 [(X) over bar (Delta)] = -0.01; P > .99), motor OIPN ((X) over bar (Delta) =2.39; P = .17), and QOL ((X) over bar (Delta) = -1.43; P > .99). Eight-week sensory ((X) over bar =11.48 +/- 0.38) and motor OIPN severities ((X) over bar = 7.48 +/- 0.36) were mild but higher than baseline (P <= .01). Self-reported PA level increased over time in both groups ((X) over bar (Delta) =44.85; P = .01). Averaging >= 225 moderate to vigorous PA minutes per week led to less sensory OIPN, particularly finger/hand tingling ((X) over bar (Delta) = -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.