Feasibility Testing of a Tai Chi Program for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment (TCT)
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Summary
This research is being done to determine whether a 12-week virtual Tai Chi training program, designed to improve balance and small nerve fiber function, is feasible and acceptable among cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Description
This is a prospective, randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial to examine the suitability of the virtual Tai Chi program in cancer survivors with CIPN. Tai Chi is a mind-body practice that involves gentle body movements, meditation, and breathing techniques. It has proven to be effective in enhancing balance control and relieving musculoskeletal pains. This study randomly assigns cancer survivors with CIPN with self-perceived balance difficulties to one of two groups: Group A Tai Chi Group versus Group B Waitlist Group. Randomization means a participant is placed into a study group by cha…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years old and older * Cancer survivors with no evidence of disease (cancer); * Completed neurotoxic chemotherapy, i.e., platinum agents, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and bortezomib, at least three months before enrollment; * A CIPN diagnosis based on symptom history, loss of deep tendon reflexes, or presence of symmetrical stocking-glove pain, numbness, or paresthesia; * Answers "yes" to the following question: "Do you feel as though your balance is affected from experiencing CIPN?" or "Are you afraid of falling as a result of your CIPN?"; * On a stable regimen (no c…
Interventions
- BehavioralTai Chi Program
12-week virtual Tai Chi program with experienced Tai Chi instructor. Sessions will be conducted via the HIPPA-compliant teleconference platform, Zoom.
Location
- Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBoston, Massachusetts