Effect of Dance-based Multimodal Exercise for Managing CIPN in Cancer Patients

NCT07632482 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2026.192
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 76
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant and distressing symptom experienced by cancer patients with different cancer types. Systematic reviews demonstrate that exercise is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients. Multimodal exercise was found to be superior to a single-modality exercise programme. However, the lack of using Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill (IMB) model and addressing the social motivation component in current multimodal exercise programmes for cancer patients with solid tumors. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week dance-based multimodal exercise program on CIPN symptoms over a 3-month period, comparing outcomes with usual care in cancer patients with solid tumors. Methods: An assessor-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial with process evaluation will be conducted at Community Cancer Centers/ Community Centers and Non-governmental organizations. A total of 76 participants will be recruited, with both intervention and control groups receiving educational booklets and logbooks. The intervention group will engage in a 6-week dance-based multimodal exercise program, supplemented by goal-setting evaluations and motivational messaging. The control group will receive weekly exercise videos and motivational messages. Outcomes, including CIPN severity, quality of life, pain, balance, exercise knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, and adverse effects, will be measured using validated tools at baseline, immediately post-intervention, 4 weeks post-intervention, and 12 weeks post-intervention. Process evaluation will explore perceived benefits, program awareness, and facilitators and barriers to adherence. Conclusion: This study aims to provide an evidence-based approach for managing CIPN in cancer patients through a dance-based multimodal exercise program. It underscores the importance of incorporating the IMB model to enhance exercise adherence and support self-management of CIPN in cancer survivors.

Conditions

Cancer

Keywords

cancers; malignant solid tumors; chemotehrapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; CIPN

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

  In the main randomized control trial, the primary outcome is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity subscale (FACT/GOG-Ntx) subscale contains 11 items measuring the CIPN symptoms on a 5-point Likert scale (from 0= not at all to 4= very much) . A higher score indicates the worse CIPN symptoms .

  from enrollment to 12 weeks after the intervention

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Neuropathic pain

  from enrollment to 12 weeks after the intervention

• Quality of Life in cancer patients

  from enrollment to 12 weeks after the intervention

• Anxiety

  from enrollment to 12 weeks after intervention

• Balance

  from enrollment to 12 weeks after intervention

• Knowledge of exercise, exercise motivation and exercise self-efficacy

  from enrollment to 12 weeks after intervention

Study Arms (2)

dance-based multimodal exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

Upon recruitment, participants will receive the exercise educational booklet and logbook. This study applies the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model in a six-week Zumba Gold dance program for cancer survivors. Each weekly 75-minute session includes vital sign checks, 50 minutes of multimodal exercise (warm-up, workout, cool-down), and group sharing. Dance styles taught are Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Belly dance, Flamenco, Tango, and cool-down, with revision in later sessions. Videos with safety guidance are shared via WhatsApp for home practice. Chair-based options are available for those with balance issues. Motivational support and tele-consultation by an oncology nurse provide ongoing guidance and symptom management to enhance self-efficacy in CIPN care.

Behavioral: dance-based multimodal exercise

Exercise education

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Control group participants will receive an educational booklet and logbook, plus weekly WhatsApp exercise videos recommended by the Department of Health, HKSAR (Elderly Health Service, 2025) during the first six weeks. They are encouraged to follow NCCN and ACSM guidelines for cancer survivors: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, or 75 minutes vigorous, with warm-up and stretching before sessions. Stretching should occur on two non-resistance days, and resistance training 2-3 times weekly (2-3 sets of 10-15 reps, 2-3 minutes rest). For CIPN survivors, balance training is emphasized, with alternatives like cycling or water exercise. Encouragement messages follow in weeks 10 and 14.

Behavioral: Exercise education

Interventions

dance-based multimodal exercise BEHAVIORAL

This study applies the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model in a six-week Zumba Gold dance program for cancer survivors. Each weekly 75-minute session includes vital sign checks, 50 minutes of multimodal exercise (warm-up, workout, cool-down), and group sharing. Dance styles taught are Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Belly dance, Flamenco, Tango, and cool-down, with revision in later sessions. Videos with safety guidance are shared via WhatsApp for home practice. Chair-based options are available for those with balance issues. Motivational support and tele-consultation by an oncology nurse provide ongoing guidance and symptom management to enhance self-efficacy in CIPN care.

dance-based multimodal exercise

Exercise education BEHAVIORAL

Control group participants will receive an educational booklet and logbook, plus weekly WhatsApp exercise videos recommended by the Department of Health, HKSAR (Elderly Health Service, 2025) during the first six weeks. They are encouraged to follow NCCN and ACSM guidelines for cancer survivors: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, or 75 minutes vigorous, with warm-up and stretching before sessions. Stretching should occur on two non-resistance days, and resistance training 2-3 times weekly (2-3 sets of 10-15 reps, 2-3 minutes rest). For CIPN survivors, balance training is emphasized, with alternatives like cycling or water exercise. Encouragement messages follow in weeks 10 and 14.

Exercise education

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Patients was diagnosed with malignant solid tumor (s) which is defined as abnormal, cancerous masses of tissue, for example, all carcinomas (such as breast cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer and gynecological cancer, lung cancer and so on), sarcomas and lymphomas
• Patients experience CIPN symptoms
• Patients are able to use smart phone and WhatsApp
• Patients are able to read or understand Chinese.

You may not qualify if:

• Cancer patients suffer from severe organ failure or diseases that limit their level of activity
• Patients are diagnosed with non-chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, such as sciatica and diabetic neuropathy
• Patients receive treatments that affect the severity of neuropathy, such as steroid, anticonvulsants and antidepressants
• Patients age below 18 years old
• Patients have cognitive impairments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Chinese University of Hong Kong: lead

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MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neoplasms

Central Study Contacts

Ka Yan Lau

CONTACT

+852 37024260; 1007615222@link.cuhk.edu.hk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: An independent assessor will be blinded for the allocation of the participants and intervention. Cancer patients who are fulfilling the eligibility criteria and willing to participate in the programme will be randomized in 1:1 ratio after the baseline measurement. Block randomization of a block of 4 will be used in the randomization process. Allocation numbers are concealed in opaque sealed envelopes which only the principal investigator will open them and inform the participants about the program details.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Student

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 27, 2026
• First Posted: June 8, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Last Updated: June 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share