IJPR.2026.139
Type of Article: Original Research
Volume 14; Issue 3 (August 2026)
Page No.: 5008-5014
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2026.139
Effect of Speed Intensive Gait Training on Balance, Gait Speed, and Endurance in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Geetu Vikram Ahuja *1, Sabah Thaver 2, Ali Irani 3.
*1 Post Graduate Student, School of Physiotherapy, NMIMS, (deemed to be) University, Vile Parle, Mumbai, India. ORCiD: 0009-0005-0858-4455
2 Assistant Professor, School of Physiotherapy, NMIMS (deemed to be) University, Vile Parle, Mumbai, India.
3 HOD, Physiotherapy, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Geetu Vikram Ahuja, Post Graduate Student, School of Physiotherapy, NMIMS, (deemed to be) University, Vile Parle, Mumbai, India. E-Mail: geetuvahuja@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of neurotoxic chemotherapy and is associated with sensory deficits, impaired balance, reduced gait speed, and decreased endurance, resulting in reduced functional mobility and increased fall risk. Exercise-based rehabilitation interventions have shown promise in improving functional outcomes in individuals with CIPN. This study aimed to compare the effects of treadmill training and speed-intensive gait training on balance, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with CIPN.
Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 46 individuals diagnosed with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 received balance training combined with treadmill training, while Group 2 received balance training combined with speed-intensive gait training. Both groups underwent supervised intervention for four weeks. Outcome measures included the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (MiniBESTest), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Paired t-tests and independent t-tests were used for intra-group and inter-group comparisons, respectively, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in balance, gait speed, and walking endurance following the intervention (p<0.001). Significant improvements were observed in MiniBESTest scores, self-selected and fast gait speeds, and 6MWT distances in both groups. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups following the intervention.
Conclusion: Both treadmill training and speed-intensive gait training, when combined with balance training, were effective in improving balance, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Speed-intensive gait training may serve as a practical alternative to treadmill training in settings where access to treadmill equipment is limited.
Keywords: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, CIPN, Treadmill Training, Speed-Intensive Gait Training, Balance, Gait Speed, Endurance.
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