Efficacy of the modified Buerger-Allen exercise with Epsom-salt foot bath for the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients: a treatment comparative randomized clinical study protocol†
Abstract
Objective
Breast cancer in India is growing at an alarming rate, and the fact that it is currently being detected more frequently in the younger age groups is even more concerning. In India, a woman dies of breast cancer every 8 min, which is a terrible situation. Breast cancer claims one life for every two women who are diagnosed with it. However, the morbidity level is gradually increasing due to advanced medical treatment, but we need to be aware and alert.
Methods
The research has been structured as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 180 breast cancer patients were taken from Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), Cancer Center Sawangi Meghe for the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. With intervention, the period of the study was 11 months. A signed consent form was taken from each participant and based on the answers before, during, and after the trial the data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v29.
Results
The investigator believes that the Buerger-Allen exercise and Epsom salt foot bath will improve the symptoms in the symptomatic group of breast cancer patients and will prevent or delay the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy symptoms among the asymptomatic group as well as improve the overall quality of life (QoL). However, during the trial, if any of the study participants developed any side effects, they would be identified early and prompt treatment would be initiated.
Conclusions
This study protocol aims to evaluate and compare the non-pharmacological treatment options for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and to develop a new treatment option that will pave the way to lead a new non-pharmacological costeffective treatment option for breast cancer patients which also could improve the QoL.
© 2025 Rahul Shil, Ruchira Ankar, published by Shanxi Medical Periodical Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.