Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of balance training program on balance, neuropathy symptoms and functional activities in cancer women whom treated with chemotherapy. A total of 40 breast cancer women complained from chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) participated in the study. Their age was 40-50 years and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 25 to 34.9 Kg/m². They were randomly distributed into two equal groups. Both control and study groups received neurotoxic potential chemotherapy including paclitaxel and docetaxel for at least 4 cycles within the previous 6 months and continued to receive their dose as an adjuvant therapy. In addition, the study group received a balance training program for 50-60 minutes, 2 sessions/week for 12 weeks. Each patient was assessed using Biodex balance system to measure the overall stability index (OSI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI). Also, the functional reach test was used to assess the functional reach distance (FRD) and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy assessment tool (CIPNAT) was used to assess neuropathy symptoms and functional activities before and after 12 weeks of the study course. Results showed that there was no significance difference in OSI (p=0.26), APSI (p=0.51), MLSI (p=0.38), functional reach distance (p=0.23), interference items score (p=0.31), and a significant increase (p=0.03) in the symptom experience items score of the control group post-treatment. However, there was a highly significant decrease (p=0.0001) in the OSI, APSI, and MLSI, interference items score, and symptom experience items score, as well as a highly significant increase (p=0.0001) in the functional reach distance of the study group post-treatment

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