Whole body vibration as an alternative to conventional aerobic and resistance training for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer survivors: The sensi-ex randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent side effect of taxane-based chemotherapy, impairing function and quality of life. Exercise is recommended, but comparative effects remain unclear. This study compared whole-body vibration resistance training and conventional aerobic and resistance training in breast cancer survivors with persistent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

In this randomized trial, 44 breast cancer survivors with peripheral neuropathy were randomized to whole-body vibration resistance training or conventional aerobic and resistance training. Both groups completed 12-weeks supervised intervention with assessments at baseline, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome was chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptom burden assessed using the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool. Secondary outcomes included neuropathy-related functional disability, pain, mobility, neurological function, muscle strength, body composition, and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Both interventions were associated with improvements in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptom burden over time, with no significant between-group differences for the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes differed between interventions, with conventional training associated with greater improvements in neuropathy-related functional disability, muscle strength, and mobility, whereas whole-body vibration resistance training showed a short-term increase in lean mass. Health-related quality of life improved similarly in both groups, with greater improvements in insomnia in the conventional training group.

CONCLUSION

Both interventions were feasible and associated with improved outcomes. Conventional aerobic and resistance training may provide broader functional benefits, while whole-body vibration resistance training may represent a time-efficient alternative. Findings should be interpreted cautiously given the absence of a non-exercise control group and require confirmation in larger studies.