Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
The effects of physical activity interventions on self-esteem during and after cancer treatment: a systematic review
Andrea Rodriguez-Solana1, Luis Gracia-Marco2,3,4, Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez1,5
1Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport, and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, 18007, Spain.
Abstract:
To investigate the effect of physical activity (PA) (both general and its type) on self-esteem during and after cancer treatment. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscuss, and PsycINFO from their inception to February 2024. The systematic review included 32 studies, with 15 studies (13 RCT and 2 quasi-experimental) and 3604 participants (66.7% female) included in the meta-analysis involving controlled trials using a control group and at least one PA intervention group. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022309771). Risk of bias for RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB2), and quasi-experimental studies with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. PA significantly improved self-esteem during and after cancer treatment (pooled SMD = 0.32, p < 0.01). Specifically, aerobic PA (pooled SMD = 0.33, p = 0.04) and mind-body exercise (pooled SMD = 0.70, p = 0.03) had positive effects on self-esteem. Overall, PA interventions improved self-esteem during cancer treatment (pooled SMD = 0.50, p = 0.01) and in PA interventions lasting more than 12 weeks (pooled SMD = 0.44, p = 0.02). In conclusion, PA (specifically, aerobic and mind-body exercises) may have a positive effect on self-esteem during and after cancer treatment, with cancer status and the duration of the intervention being key factors.
Related Concept Videos
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

