Effect of Whole Body Vibration versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Chemotherapy- Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess and compare the therapeutic impacts of WBV and PNF on neuropathic pain, sensory function, balance, and quality of life in individuals suffering from CIPN. A total of 32 participants, each having undergone a minimum of three cycles of chemotherapy, were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving WBV and the other PNF, with both groups also participating in standard physiotherapy exercises. Over a span of three weeks, participants engaged in nine intervention sessions, and outcomes were measured using validated assessment tools such as the S-LANSS, SWMT, MiniBESTest, and the FACT-GOG-Ntx. The results indicated significant improvements across all measured outcomes in both groups, highlighting the effectiveness of both treatment modalities. WBV was particularly effective in enhancing sensory function, while PNF yielded better results in terms of balance and the functional and social aspects of quality of life. Both interventions resulted in a statistically significant decrease in neuropathic pain, although no notable differences were found between the two groups in this area. The study advocates for the use of WBV and PNF as safe, accessible, and effective non-pharmacological rehabilitation methods for managing CIPN, suggesting that personalized physiotherapy strategies could be developed based on individual functional impairments.