Effect of Dance-based Multimodal Exercise for Managing CIPN in Cancer Patients

Summary

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant and distressing symptom experienced by cancer patients with different cancer types. Systematic reviews demonstrate that exercise is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients. Multimodal exercise was found to be superior to a single-modality exercise programme. However, the lack of using Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill (IMB) model and addressing the social motivation component in current multimodal exercise programmes for cancer patients with solid tumors.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week dance-based multimodal exercise program on CIPN symptoms over a 3-month period, comparing outcomes with usual care in cancer patients with solid tumors.

Methods: An assessor-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial with process evaluation will be conducted at Community Cancer Centers/ Community Centers and Non-governmental organizations. A total of 76 participants will be recruited, with both intervention and control groups receiving educational booklets and logbooks. The intervention group will engage in a 6-week dance-based multimodal exercise program, supplemented by goal-setting evaluations and motivational messaging. The control group will receive weekly exercise videos and motivational messages. Outcomes, including CIPN severity, quality of life, pain, balance, exercise knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, and adverse effects, will be measured using validated tools at baseline, immediately post-intervention, 4 weeks post-intervention, and 12 weeks post-intervention. Process evaluation will explore perceived benefits, program awareness, and facilitators and barriers to adherence.

Conclusion: This study aims to provide an evidence-based approach for managing CIPN in cancer patients through a dance-based multimodal exercise program. It underscores the importance of incorporating the IMB model to enhance exercise adherence and support self-management of CIPN in cancer survivors.

Conditions

• Cancer

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

dance-based multimodal exercise

This study applies the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model in a six-week Zumba Gold dance program for cancer survivors. Each weekly 75-minute session includes vital sign checks, 50 minutes of multimodal exercise (warm-up, workout, cool-down), and group sharing. Dance styles taught are Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Belly dance, Flamenco, Tango, and cool-down, with revision in later sessions. Videos with safety guidance are shared via WhatsApp for home practice. Chair-based options are available for those with balance issues. Motivational support and tele-consultation by an oncology nurse provide ongoing guidance and symptom management to enhance self-efficacy in CIPN care.

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise education

Control group participants will receive an educational booklet and logbook, plus weekly WhatsApp exercise videos recommended by the Department of Health, HKSAR (Elderly Health Service, 2025) during the first six weeks. They are encouraged to follow NCCN and ACSM guidelines for cancer survivors: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, or 75 minutes vigorous, with warm-up and stretching before sessions. Stretching should occur on two non-resistance days, and resistance training 2-3 times weekly (2-3 sets of 10-15 reps, 2-3 minutes rest). For CIPN survivors, balance training is emphasized, with alternatives like cycling or water exercise. Encouragement messages follow in weeks 10 and 14.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Chinese University of Hong Kong

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-06-01

Primary Completion

2026-12-31

Completion

2026-12-31