Using wearables to screen motor performance deterioration because of cancer and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in adults - Toward an early diagnosis of CIPN.

ObjectiveAn essential component for optimizing quality of life in adults with cancer is determining the degree to which therapy may negatively impact motor-performance, so that patients can maintain their quality of life and independence. This study examined whether instrumented gait and balance could determine the magnitude of deterioration in motor-performance from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).MethodsWe recruited 84 adults with cancer (age = 71.1 ± 9.7 years old, BMI = 26.8 ± 6.2 kg/m2, gender = 56%female) and 57 age-matched non-cancer patients (age = 69.5 ± 9.8 years old, BMI = 27.1 ± 6.0 kg/m2, gender = 79%female). Based on clinical screening, the group with cancer was classified into two groups: participants with CIPN (CIPN+) and without CIPN (CIPN-). Gait and balance were quantified using validated wearables. The Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) test was used to stratify the CIPN+ group into mild (Mild-CIPN) and severe (Severe-CIPN) subgroups.ResultsAll gait and balance parameters were deteriorated in the group with cancer compared to non-cancer group with the largest effects observed for stride-time (11%, Cohen's effect size d = 1.00, p ConclusionThese results confirmed the negative impact of CIPN on motor-performance with the largest effects on ankle stability and stride-time. VPT is a predictor of motor deterioration and may be used to determine the severity of CIPN symptom.