Electrotherapy and sensory re-education as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Main Article Content
Keywords
Electric Stimulation Therapy, Neuralgia, Cisplatin, Colonic Neoplasms
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is the main complication in cancer survivors, causing pain and other sensory alterations. Electrotherapy with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological resource for pain management, which consists of superficial application of alternate electrical current with cutaneous electrodes; being a safe, economical and portable alternative.
Objective: to evaluate the effect of TENS on neuropathic pain and other sensory symptoms caused by CIPN secondary to platinum in patients with colon or rectal cancer.
Material and methods: a quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 10 rehabilitation sessions with TENS and sensory re-education to the patient group. Evaluations of neuropathic pain; superficial, deep and painful sensory alterations and single leg balance with eyes open and closed were performed before and after the intervention.
Results: 14 patients were recruited, all treated with platinum-based agents. Improvements were found in neuropathic pain (p < 0.001), sensory alterations (p < 0.001) and single leg balance with eyes open (p < 0.001) and closed (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: rehabilitation with TENS and sensory re-education in patients with CIPN secondary to platinum-based agents significantly reduced neuropathic pain, sensory alterations (superficial, deep and painful) and improved single leg balance time with eyes open and closed.
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