Feasibility of an Adapted Sports Program Based on Fencing to Reduce Physical Deconditioning in Adult Hematology Patients

In 20 years, the prognosis of hematology patients has improved thanks to the development and adaptation of treatments and better risk management. However, medium and long-term complications of intensive treatments are common and remain a real public health problem. Indeed, intensive treatments associated with room confinement within a protected unit expose patients to physical deconditioning of multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms. If this deconditioning is neglected, response to treatment, tolerance, quality of life and, in the longer term, survival will be impacted. Several teams have demonstrated the feasibility and the benefits of physical support for patients with prolonged aplasia. These studies focused on peripheral stem cell allograft, which occur late in the treatment of acute leukemia. On the other hand, studies evaluating the benefits of physical support as soon as the diagnosis of acute leukemia is made and intensive treatments are started are rare. Implementing a adapted sport program from the diagnostic and throughout the course of treatment is therefore a worthwhile subject for research. The adapted sport chosen was fencing because it responds to hematological problems. Fencing is adaptable without carrying or receiving blow, can be practiced standing up, in an armchair or in bed, involves praxis and concentration, and involves the whole body. It can be practiced individually or as part of a team, in a protected room or in a unit corridor. Fencing is a fighting sport and includes a psychological aspect, with a possible projection of a fight against the disease. In addition, fencing is carried out by a non-medical or paramedical practitioner, which can reinforce or recreate an image of normal activity. Finally, the attention required by listening to the fencing master and the necessary concentration unconsciously pushes the patient to "get out of his illness". The aim of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility, throughout the care pathway, of an adapted sport program based on fencing in adult patients with hematological malignancies receiving intensive treatment, to reduce physical deconditioning.