Impact of practising an adapted and collective physical activity, such as five-a-side touch rugby, on the physical self-esteem of patients treated or followed up for breast or gynaecological cancer.

purposeThe benefits of an adapted physical activity have been demonstrated on disease-free survival, tolerance to treatment and quality of life for patients with cancer. Self-esteem in the physical area is a specific type of self-esteem that contributes significantly to global self-esteem. Few studies have focused on physical self-esteem, although it is a marker of good health in this population.

methodThe participants were being followed up or treated for breast or gynaecological cancer and were practising healthy sports such as five-a-side touch rugby. We assessed anthropometric data, physical parameters and physical self-esteem of the participants. Physical self-esteem was assessed using the 25-item Physical Self Inventory (ISP-25) questionnaire completed by patients at the start and end of the season. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).

resultsAmong the 40 patients included, physical self-esteem did not show a statistically significant variation over a time span of 8 to 55 months. However, general physical self-esteem increased when participants practised intense or moderate physical activity compared with those whose physical activity was limited (p = 0.012 and p = 0.032).

conclusionOur study suggests that physical self-esteem tends to remain stable over time among patients practising five-a-side rugby for health type adapted physical activity for 8 to 55 months. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that levels of physical self-esteem are significantly higher in patients who engage in more intensive physical activity. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating the prescription of adapted physical activity into the follow-up and management of patients treated for breast or gynaecological cancer.