CO-17 | EMBODIED SELF-MANAGEMENT IN HEMOPHILIA: PSYCHOSOMATIC EFFECTS OF A SUPERVISED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM
F. Valeri1, M. Miniotti2, M.G. Bailon2, C. Dainese1, B. Bruno3, P. Leombruni2, A. Borchiellini1 | 1Regional Centre for Haemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disease, Hematology Division, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy; 2Departement of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Italy; 3Division of Hematology, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health sciences, University of Turin, Italy
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Background and Aims. In hemophilia patients (HPs), physical activity has traditionally been limited by fears of bleeding and joint damage, with psychosomatic consequences including reduced body confidence, somatization, type-A behavior, and alexithymia. While controlled exercise programs are increasingly recognized as safe, their impact on psychosocial outcomes remains underexplored. This exploratory mixed-method study aimed to investigate the psychosomatic effects of a supervised physical activity program in HPs, integrating clinical outcomes with subjective experiences.
Methods. Nine HPs, on stable prophylaxis, participated in a 12-month physical activity program planned according to individual pharmacokinetic profiles and delivered by trained exercise professionals under medical supervision. Physical safety, joint status, and functional performance were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. After program completion, a psychologist-led focus group was performed to explore participants’ subjective experience.
Results. Quantitative data confirmed the safety of the program, with no increase in bleeding events and maintenance/improvement of joint and functional outcomes over time. Qualitative analysis identified five core themes: motivation, symptom management, relationship with healthcare professionals, relational engagement, and program limitations. Participants reported increased body awareness, self-efficacy, and adherence to prophylaxis, reflecting enhanced self-management. Improvements in social quality of life were not consistently reported, and group-based activity did not foster a sense of belonging or relational bonds.
Conclusions. Supervised physical activity may act as a psychosomatic intervention promoting embodied self-efficacy and self-management rather than social integration in HPs. These findings suggest that exercise-based programs should incorporate psychological and relational components to fully address the psychosocial needs of HPs.
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