Pickleball’s Cancer Survivor Benefits: Cancer survivors who joined a pickleball program showed better physical fitness and increased social support, according to a new pilot study led by Moffitt Cancer Center. The study, called Project Rally, took place at a Florida YMCA between September 2023 and January 2024.
Pickleball is a racket sport that combines tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It’s played on a small court, making it easier for people with limited energy or mobility. The program showed that pickleball can help survivors stay active and feel more connected to others.
Study Focuses on Activity and Support
The study included 21 cancer survivors and 7 family or friends who played with them. Participants received training from a YMCA exercise coach and a certified pickleball coach. Sessions lasted two hours a day, five days a week, with morning and evening times available.
The program ran for an average of 15 months. Most of the cancer survivors were women, and their median age was around 62. Many had breast or blood cancers. At the time of enrollment, all were disease-free, and only two were still on treatment.
Improvements in Fitness and Participation
The program was feasible and popular. About 86% of the survivors who joined the study completed it. Survivors increased their weekly moderate-to-strenuous activity by 80 minutes and added 50 minutes of hard exercise.
They also showed gains in strength and endurance. Social support increased, and most participants said the program was worth their time.
“Enjoyment, accessibility and social interaction have contributed to the enormous growth of pickleball, and these characteristics lend promise to increasing and sustaining physical activity among cancer survivors.” – (study)
Expanding Community Programs
Lead investigator Nathan Parker, PhD, shared the importance of the results.
“This study shows that pickleball is not only fun, but it can also be a powerful tool for improving the physical and emotional well-being of cancer survivors.” – (Parker)
“The success of Project Rally highlights how community-based programs can provide a meaningful way for cancer survivors to stay active, build connections and improve their overall quality of life.” – (Parker)
With the positive outcome of this pilot program, researchers now plan to expand Project Rally to more locations to help even more survivors.
“The YMCA has been an outstanding research partner, and we’re excited about the potential to expand this program and help even more survivors.” – (Parker)
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Cancer Survivor Benefits
A pilot study led by Moffitt Cancer Center found that pickleball improves fitness and social support for cancer survivors. Project Rally, a YMCA-based program in Florida, helped participants increase activity levels and build community. Researchers now aim to expand the program to reach more survivors through local pickleball groups.
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