Tai Chi for Peripheral Neuropathy

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Mingxiao Yang, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Disqualifiers: Recent physical therapy, Tai Chi, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 29

Duration: 12 weeks

21 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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).

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stay on a stable regimen of your current anti-neuropathy or other pain medications, meaning no changes in the past three months. Additionally, you cannot start any new pain medications during the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Tai Chi Program for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Research shows that Tai Chi can improve physical performance, balance, and strength in people with peripheral neuropathy. Participants in studies reported increased stamina and better quality of life after practicing Tai Chi, suggesting it may be beneficial for managing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Tai Chi safe for people with peripheral neuropathy?

Tai Chi is generally considered safe for people with peripheral neuropathy, as studies have shown no adverse events during Tai Chi practice in this group. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

How does the Tai Chi treatment differ from other treatments for peripheral neuropathy?

Tai Chi is unique for peripheral neuropathy as it focuses on improving balance, strength, and physical function through gentle, flowing movements, unlike traditional treatments that may rely on medication or physical therapy. It also offers psychosocial benefits, encouraging long-term commitment to exercise, which can enhance quality of life. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Research Team

Mingxiao Yang, PhD

Principal Investigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for cancer survivors who are experiencing nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) as a result of chemotherapy. Participants should be able to commit to a 12-week virtual Tai Chi program aimed at improving balance and nerve function.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a cancer survivor with no current signs of cancer.

I am older than 18 years.

I finished chemotherapy that can affect nerves 3 months ago.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had physical therapy or Tai Chi for nerve damage from chemotherapy in the last 3 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo baseline assessments including questionnaires and sensory and functional testing

1-2 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment

Participants in the Tai Chi group receive virtual Tai Chi sessions twice weekly and perform independent sessions three times a week

12 weeks

24 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Waitlist Control Follow-up

Participants in the waitlist group receive standard CIPN care and are offered Tai Chi sessions after the follow-up period

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Tai Chi Program

Trial Overview The study is testing the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual Tai Chi program over 12 weeks, designed specifically for individuals with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, focusing on its potential benefits in balance and small nerve fiber function.

Participant Groups

Group I: Arm A: Tai Chi Treatment Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

14 randomized participants will complete: * 2 baseline visit sessions. * Virtual Tai Chi session 2x weekly. * Independent Tai Chi sessions 3 days a week. * 12 week follow up visit.

Group II: Arm B: Waitlist Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

7 randomized participants will complete: * 2 baseline visit sessions * Standard CIPN care prescribed by primary care physician/oncologist. * 12 week follow up visit * Participants will be offered 24 complimentary, virtual, Tai Chi training sessions over 12 weeks after completion of the 12-week follow-up visit.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,128

Recruited

382,000+

Findings from Research

A 12-week tai chi program led to long-term engagement in exercise for older adults with peripheral neuropathy, with participants continuing classes for an additional 18 months, highlighting the importance of psychosocial support in maintaining exercise routines.

Participants showed significant improvements in strength, balance, and stamina, confirming the physical benefits of tai chi, although changes in quality of life scores were not statistically significant, qualitative feedback indicated meaningful improvements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Tai Chi on Peripheral Neuropathy Revisited: A Mixed-Methods Study. Hermanns, M., Haas, BK., Rath, L., et al.[2020]

Tai chi (TC) is generally safe, with no serious adverse events reported in a review of 153 randomized controlled trials, primarily involving older adults, although minor musculoskeletal issues like knee and back pain were noted.

Only 33% of the trials reported adverse events, and just 12% had a clear protocol for monitoring them, indicating that the inconsistent reporting limits our understanding of TC's safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What do we really know about the safety of tai chi?: A systematic review of adverse event reports in randomized trials. Wayne, PM., Berkowitz, DL., Litrownik, DE., et al.[2022]

References

1. Singapore pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long term Tai Chi exercise improves physical performance among people with peripheral neuropathy. [2010]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Tai Chi on Postural Control in People with Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Tai Chi on Peripheral Neuropathy Revisited: A Mixed-Methods Study. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Tai Chi in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on glucose control, neuropathy scores, balance, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What do we really know about the safety of tai chi?: A systematic review of adverse event reports in randomized trials. [2022]