Feasibility and safety of seated virtual reality rehabilitation for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Abstract Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) causes sensory and motor impairments that can significantly reduce quality of life. Although rehabilitation has shown promise as a nonpharmacological intervention, standardized programs have yet to be established. Effective rehabilitation must prioritize safety, particularly for patients at high risk of falls, while ensuring strong adherence to optimize therapeutic benefits. Virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation has gained attention as a neurorehabilitation tool, even in seated positions. This retrospective study investigated the feasibility and safety of seated immersive VR rehabilitation in six patients with moderate to severe CIPN (4 women; mean age, 61.7 ± 9.9 years). The primary outcome was feasibility, whereas the secondary outcomes included neurological symptoms and postural control. Program adherence was high, with an 83.3% completion rate and 100% attendance across 6 sessions. No VR-related adverse events were reported. A significant reduction in numbness was observed (p < 0.05). Despite the seated intervention, we noted a tendency toward improvement in postural control. This study found that VR-guided training may effectively reduce sensory symptoms in patients with moderate to severe CIPN, highlighting the feasibility, safety, and accessibility of such a treatment approach for this population. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR ID: UMIN 000056203 (Registered 11/11/2024)