Physical activity behaviors in cancer survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy

Abstract

Aim: There are many barriers to physical activity among cancer survivors. Survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy may develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and experience additional barriers related to sensorimotor and mobility deficits. This study examined physical activity behaviors, including physical activity predictors, among cancer survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapies. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 252 participants, 3–24 months after neurotoxic chemotherapy, was undertaken. Physical activity was self-reported (IPAQ). CIPN was self-reported (FACT/GOG-Ntx-13), clinically graded (NCI-CTCAE), and objectively measured using neurological grading scales and neurophysiological techniques (tibial and sural nerve conduction studies). Balance (Swaymeter) and fine motor skills (grooved pegboard) were assessed. Regression models were used to identify clinical, demographic and CIPN predictors of walking and moderate–vigorous physical activity. Results: Forty-four percent of participants did not meet recommended physical activity guidelines (≥150 min/week). Sixty-six percent presented with CIPN. Nineteen percent of participants with CIPN reported that symptoms interfered with their ability to be physically active. A lower proportion of survivors aged ≥60, with grade ≥1 CIPN or BMI ≥30, reported meeting physical activity guidelines (all p