A newly launched community pickleball initiative named Project Rally is assisting cancer survivors in enhancing their physical and social well-being, as indicated by a recent pilot study conducted by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center. In collaboration with the YMCA of the Suncoast, the program has yielded strong outcomes in terms of participant engagement, enjoyment, and physical gains.
Maintaining physical activity is crucial for those who have survived cancer, as it can mitigate the adverse effects of the disease and its treatments while empowering them to lead satisfying lives. Engaging in physical activities offers several advantages, including improved heart and lung health, enhanced physical abilities, better body composition, lower stress levels, and an overall higher quality of life. Despite widespread recommendations, a significant portion of cancer survivors—between 53% and 83%—do not engage in the suggested levels of physical activity.
The pilot study, which appeared in the journal Healthcare, took place from September 2023 to January 2024 and involved 23 participants: 18 cancer survivors and five support individuals who had no history of cancer. The cancer survivors, mainly females aged between 47 and 76, were diagnosed with different types of cancer, including breast and blood cancers. Most had experienced surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy before joining the initiative. The non-cancer participants were all men, averaging 58 years old.
The findings revealed that the program was both appealing and easy to access. Enrollment was successful, with 95.5% of cancer survivors and 77.8% of non-cancer participants who showed interest becoming involved. Retention was also impressive: 85.7% of survivors completed the program, surpassing the 75% goal. Overall, 82.1% of participants remained in the study until the conclusion, achieving an attendance rate of 85.2% for the recommended sessions.
Participants in Project Rally experienced notable increases in their levels of physical activity. On average, cancer survivors boosted their weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity by more than 80 minutes, incorporating more intense workouts. The program also fostered greater social support, with survivors experiencing enhanced companionship during their physical activities.
In addition to greater physical activity, participants exhibited improvements in physical strength and endurance. Many participants enjoyed the social dimensions of the program, which featured group activities and opportunities to learn the game of pickleball together. A number of participants highlighted the formation of new friendships and the increase in physical activity as significant benefits. The supportive environment and motivation provided by the YMCA coach were also well-received.
“This study demonstrates that pickleball is not just enjoyable; it can significantly enhance the physical and emotional health of cancer survivors,” stated Nathan Parker, Ph.D., a researcher in the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt and the lead author of the study. “The success of Project Rally underscores the potential of community-based programs to offer cancer survivors meaningful avenues for remaining active, developing connections, and improving their overall quality of life. The YMCA has been an exceptional research partner, and we are eager about the opportunity to broaden this program to assist even more survivors.”
The encouraging outcomes from this pilot study signal a promising future for Project Rally. Its design, leveraging pickleball to foster fitness and social interactions, possesses significant potential to expand and benefit more cancer survivors. The research highlights how community initiatives can effectively help cancer survivors boost their physical activity levels and enhance their overall health.
With ambitions to extend the program to additional locations and provide more sessions, Project Rally is working to reach wider demographics and assist more cancer survivors in elevating their quality of life through physical activity.
The pilot study received funding from a seed grant provided by the Moffitt Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity’s Support for Community Organization Research Engagement (COEE-SCORE) initiative.
