RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cycling-Based Aerobic Exercise Intervention for Individuals With Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

This study, called CYCLE-CIPN, wants to see if regular cycling exercises can help people experiencing tingling, numbness, and pain in their hands and feet due to chemotherapy. This condition is known as Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). There aren't many good treatments for CIPN right now, so finding lifestyle changes that help is important. This is a small initial study involving 30 participants. It will help researchers decide if a larger study is worth doing. Participants will exercise on a stationary bike twice a week for 12 weeks, with sessions lasting 30-60 minutes and being supervised by staff. The study will look at whether cycling improves symptoms, fitness, and overall quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

Start

26 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2027

Cancer Adults

What is this study about?

Chemotherapy can be a lifesaver for many people with cancer, but sometimes it comes with unwanted side effects. One common side effect is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, or CIPN. This causes symptoms like tingling, numbness, pain, or difficulty with fine movements, mostly in the hands and feet. For some people, these symptoms can last long after their chemotherapy has finished, making everyday life harder.

Currently, there aren't specific medications that effectively treat CIPN. This means doctors and researchers are very keen to find other ways to help people manage these symptoms. Exercise is showing real promise as a way to improve well-being during and after cancer treatment, and there's a growing belief it could specifically help with CIPN.

This study aims to find out if a cycling exercise programme can reduce CIPN symptoms and make a real difference to people's quality of life. It’s a carefully designed study that focuses only on cycling to understand its specific effects. The information gathered from this small group will be vital in deciding if a larger, more definitive study is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Key takeaways

This study explores if cycling helps reduce chemotherapy-related nerve symptoms.
Participants will cycle twice a week for 12 weeks, with supervision.
It's a small study to decide if a larger research project is needed.
The study assesses symptom improvement, fitness, and quality of life.
It aims to find new ways to manage a common side effect of cancer treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old and have been diagnosed with cancer (stages I to III). You must have received chemotherapy treatment for your cancer and be experiencing mild CIPN symptoms, such as some tingling or numbness. You also need to be able to speak, read, and understand English.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have other medical conditions that could cause similar nerve problems, like diabetes, or if you have other major uncontrolled health issues. You also can't take part if you're going to have surgery or radiation treatment during the study period.

Finally, if you're already doing a regular exercise programme that involves aerobic exercise, or if you're already involved in another exercise-based research study, you wouldn't be eligible. It's very important that you're able to fully understand and agree to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had chemotherapy for cancer and now experience mild tingling or numbness (CIPN)?
Do you *not* have diabetes or similar conditions that cause nerve problems?
Are you able to speak and understand English?
Are you *not* currently doing another regular aerobic exercise program or study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to come to supervised exercise sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Each session will involve cycling on a stationary bike and will last between 30 and 60 minutes. The exercises will be tailored to you and will gradually get a bit harder over time to help you improve.

Throughout the study, the research team will check your symptoms and how you're feeling. They'll also assess your fitness and overall quality of life. This will involve filling out questionnaires about your symptoms and well-being, and they might also do some simple physical tests to see how your body is responding to the exercise. The total duration of your active participation in the study will be 12 weeks plus initial and final assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as a possible reduction in your CIPN symptoms, improved fitness, and a better quality of life. Regular exercise is also generally good for your health. As with any exercise programme, there are small risks of muscle soreness or minor injury, but the cycling sessions will be supervised to ensure your safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Cross Cancer Institute
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is CIPN?

CIPN stands for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. It's a common side effect of chemotherapy that causes tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness, usually in the hands and feet.

What kind of exercise will I do?

You will participate in supervised cycling on a stationary bike twice a week. Each session will be 30-60 minutes long.

How long will the study last for me?

Your active involvement in the cycling programme will be for 12 weeks, plus some initial and final check-ups.

Will this study cure my CIPN?

This is a small study to see if cycling *helps* with CIPN symptoms. It's not designed to find a cure, but rather to see if exercise could be a useful way to manage the condition.

What if I decide I don't want to continue?

You are completely free to leave the study at any time, and you don't have to give a reason. Your standard medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Christopher Sellar, PhD

frmace@ualberta.ca 1-780-492-6007 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.