Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality on Postural Control and Risk of Fall in Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major cause of functional disability in cancer survivors. Patients with CIPN typically present with numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of proprioception, particularly in distal extremities. The sensory and motor deficits associated with CIPN impair balance and increase the likelihood of falls, which may lead to injury, decreased independence, and reduced quality of life. Loss of proprioception and vibration sense in CIPN disrupts sensory integration required for maintaining postural control. Consequently, individuals with CIPN often demonstrate gait instability, impaired balance, and increased sway during standing and walking tasks. Recent evidence suggests that immersive VR rehabilitation is feasible and safe for individuals with moderate to severe CIPN. Additionally, VR-based interventions may improve sensory symptoms and postural stability without adverse effects. Studies have demonstrated that immersive VR training improves the integration of visual and proprioceptive information, leading to enhanced postural stability in individuals with balance impairments. Virtual reality technology has shown promising results in balance rehabilitation by providing interactive environments that enhance patient engagement and stimulate multisensory feedback mechanisms. So, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect of immersive virtual reality on postural control and risk of fall in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.