Introduction/Rationale: Up to 60% of cancer patients undergoing taxane/platinum-based chemotherapy develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), causing sensory and motor symptoms impairing daily function. There are no treatments for CIPN. Motivational Interviewing-guided somatosensory motOR REHABilitation (MI-SENSOR-REHAB) may help reduce CIPN-related morbidity.
Objectives: O1- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of MI-SENSOR-REHAB. O2- To explore changes in CIPN, medication, functioning, perception of change, psychological wellbeing and quality of life following MI-SENSOR-REHAB.
Methods/Approach: This convergent longitudinal mixed-methods study (T0: baseline, T1: post-intervention, T2: 3-month follow-up) was co-designed with patient- and therapist-partners. Participants (n=44) ≥18-years old with chronic CIPN, their caregivers, Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (PTs) from CHU-Québec-Université Laval will be recruited. MI-SENSOR-REHAB will include 15 weekly sessions delivered by OTs/PTs, follow-up calls, and home-based exercises (daily tactile stimulations, nerve gliding, 2x/week cardiovascular, resistance, and balance exercises). Outcome data will be collected using standardized assessments, participant logbooks, and semi-structured interviews with patients, their caregivers and OTs/PTs.
Results/Practice Implications: The expected results are: 1) The study will be feasible (≥50% recruitment of eligible patients, ≥80% retention, ≥80% adherence). MI-SENSOR-REHAB will be acceptable for patients, caregivers, and OTs/PTs. 2) MI-SENSOR-REHAB will improve CIPN, decrease medication use, pain, sensory/motor symptoms and signs, limb function, perception of change, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: This study will refine MI-SENSOR-REHAB and facilitate effect size calculations for a future phase III RCT. If efficacy is demonstrated, we will develop a free MI-SENSOR-REHAB training program for OTs and PTs, providing them with tools to support treatment implementation for this underserved group.