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Evaluation of the treatment of chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy using long-wave diathermy and interferential currents: a randomized controlled trial

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose was to investigate the effects of long-wave diathermy in combination with interferential currents (interferential therapy and long-wave diathermy at high power (ITH)) in comparison with long-wave diathermy at a power below the active treatment dose (long-wave diathermy at low power (LDL), control group) on sensory and motor symptoms in patients with chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in the lower extremities.

Methods

Sixty-seven patients with chronic CIPN were randomized to 12 weeks of either ITH or LDL. Follow-up assessments were performed after the treatment period and at 37 weeks after randomization. The primary outcome was pain (Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)), and the secondary outcomes were discomfort, nerve symptoms, subjective measurement of dizziness (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), and balance. Differences within and between groups were analyzed.

Results

Pain intensity decreased significantly only in the LDL group directly after the treatment period from NRS median 25 to median 12.5 (P = 0.017). At the 37-week follow-up, no changes were detected, irrespective of group (NRS 13 vs. 20, P = 0.885). Discomfort decreased significantly in both groups at both 12 and 37 weeks after the baseline (P < 0.05). Balance disability showed significant declines in both groups at 12 and 37 weeks (P = 0.001/0.025 in the ITH group vs P = 0.001/<0.001 in the LDL group). Balance ability (tightened Romberg test) increased significantly at both 12 and 37 weeks in both groups (P = 0.004/<0.040 in the ITH group) but did not improve in the LDL group at any of the follow-up time points (P = 0.203 vs P = 0.383). The one-legged stance test was unchanged in the ITH group after 12 weeks but improved 37 weeks after baseline (P = 0.03). No significant changes were observed in the LDL group at any of the follow-up time points.

Conclusion

This study provides no support for the use of a combination of long-wave diathermy and ITH as a treatment option for patients with chronic CIPN. However, the chronic CIPN symptoms decreased with time irrespective of the treatment.

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Acknowledgments

The study was supported by research grants from the Västmanland County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden. We are grateful for the support provided by physical therapists Jenny Ulmestedt and Karin Tissier Knutsgård, for helping with the assessment and evaluation of the patients. We also acknowledge Berit Werner-Erichsen, Head of Physical Therapy, Surgical Department, Västmanland County Hospital, Västerås, who gave permission for performing the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Västmanland County Hospital, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden

    Katarina Lindblad

  2. Department of Surgery, Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden

    Leif Bergkvist

  3. Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Centre for Clinical Research, Mälardalen University, Västmanland County Hospital, Box 883, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden

    Ann-Christin Johansson

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  1. Katarina Lindblad
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Correspondence to Katarina Lindblad.

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Lindblad, K., Bergkvist, L. & Johansson, AC. Evaluation of the treatment of chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy using long-wave diathermy and interferential currents: a randomized controlled trial. Support Care Cancer 24, 2523–2531 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-3060-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-3060-7

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