[Do actual body experiences affect physical self-concept? A longitudinal study with patients with cardiac disease...

The present study investigates variations of physical well-being and physical self-concept during sport therapy in rehabilitation of patients with heart diseases. Additionally, interrelationships between physical self-concept and physical well-being were assumed. In a sample of 43 heart disease patients (aged 44-86), physical self-concept (PSK-scale) was assessed before and after a 3-week physical exercise treatment. Actual physical well-being was assessed with the Perceived Physical State adjective list (WKV) at 3 measuring points (beginning, mid, and end of sport therapy). Enhancements of physical self-concept and actual physical well-being could be found. Furthermore, relationships between both constructs could be revealed: The progression of one construct depends on the initial state of the respective other. Low initial states facilitate positive progression. These results are discussed both as a ceiling effect and as the consequence of a physical stimulation below threshold.