Effect of gradient pressure therapy on the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effect of gradient pressure therapy on the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Eighty female patients with breast cancer were selected as research participants and divided into control and intervention, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine treatment and care, whereas the intervention group received gradient pressure therapy based on routine treatment and care. Incidence of peripheral neuropathy and degree of impact on ADL between the groups were compared after the intervention for cycles 2, 4, and 6. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the general information between the two groups (P>0.05). After two intervention cycles, there was no significant difference in the incidence of CIPN, various dimensions of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool (CIPNAT), and total scores between the groups (P>0.05). After four intervention cycles, the two groups had a statistically significant difference in the incidence of CIPN, sensory dimension, general activity dimension, and total CIPNAT score (P<0.05). After six intervention cycles, there was a significant difference in the incidence of CIPN, sensory dimension, fine activity dimension, general activity dimension, and total CIPNAT score between the two groups (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the other dimensions (P>0.05). Conclusions: Gradient pressure therapy can effectively prevent or alleviate peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and improve their ability to perform ADL. Thus, it is safe, effective, and worthy of clinical application.