We know that melanoma and its treatments have an impact on the quality of life of
patients: fatigue or impairment of muscular and cardiorespiratory capacities, for
example.
Indeed, after a cancer diagnosis, the majority of patients reduce their physical
activity. It is estimated that 50 to 75% of these patients do not meet the WHO
recommendations (physically inactive). Five years after the cancer diagnosis, nearly half
of the patients report limitations in their daily physical activities (walking, carrying,
standing for extended periods, etc.).
This physical deconditioning can lead to an exercise intolerance state, resulting in
decreased autonomy, quality of life, and self-esteem, along with increased physical and
psychological symptoms, and fatigue.
In this context, the High Authority of Health (HAH) has issued several reports
integrating physical activity into the care pathway of cancer patients. Indeed, numerous
studies have shown the benefits of exercise, particularly in patients with breast or
prostate cancer, in order to improve body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, muscle
strength, cancer-related fatigue, pain, anxiety, and quality of life, as well as to
prevent treatment-related side effects. Some even mention an impact on survival in
prostate cancer.
Currently, despite these reports and various publications illustrating the benefits of
physical activity and its feasibility even in metastatic patients, there are many
barriers to the prescription of adapted physical activity (APA) by healthcare
professionals, who fear, for example, insufficient physical abilities for engaging in
sports.
Moreover, to date, few adapted physical activity programs exist in France for patients
with advanced melanoma being followed in dermatology. However, this is a population that
is sometimes still young and active, requiring the prevention of physical deconditioning
and its consequences.
Finally, patients with a history of advanced cancer are sometimes reluctant to resume an
activity, Indeed, facing external club partners without health issues, in unfamiliar
places, can be a barrier to resuming physical activity. Moreover, patients' motivation
wanes over time despite the benefits gained.
Currently, no study has evaluated the interest of a hospital-based adapted physical
activity (APA) program consisting of weekly sessions and/or regular in-person and phone
motivational interviews for the resumption of physical activity and the maintenance of
this activity over time.
