Project Rally Pickleball Cancer Survivors: A new study shows that playing pickleball can help cancer survivors improve both physical and social well-being. The Project Rally program, led by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and in partnership with the YMCA of the Suncoast, ran from September 2023 to January 2024 and delivered encouraging results.
Why Physical Activity Matters
Physical activity is important for cancer recovery. Regular movement can improve heart and lung function, physical strength, body composition, reduce stress, and boost overall quality of life. Yet studies show 53 to 83 per cent of survivors do not meet recommended exercise levels, highlighting the need for community-based programs like Project Rally.
Inside Project Rally
The pilot study included 23 participants: 18 cancer survivors and five family or friends without cancer. Most survivors were women aged 47 to 76, treated for cancers like breast and hematological cancers. Participants without cancer were men with a median age of 58.
Recruitment was strong, with 95.5 per cent of interested cancer survivors joining. Retention was high, with 85.7 per cent completing sessions, exceeding the 75 per cent target. Overall, 82.1 per cent stayed through the program, and session attendance reached 85.2 per cent.
Participants reported increasing weekly moderate-to-strenuous exercise by over 80 minutes. Survivors said they enjoyed social connections, companionship, and learning pickleball with new friends. Physical strength and endurance also improved, credited to the sport and guidance from the YMCA coach.
Pickleball as a Path to Healing
“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,”
said Nathan Parker, Ph.D., lead author and researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center’s Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior.
He added:
“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.
The YMCA has been an outstanding research partner, and we’re excited about the potential to expand this program and help even more survivors.”
Future Plans and Significance
Project Rally demonstrates how recreational activities like pickleball can combine exercise and social support for survivors. Expansion plans are underway to offer more sessions and reach additional locations. The program aims to help more cancer survivors improve health, make connections, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
The study was funded by a seed grant from the Moffitt Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement’s Support for Community Organization Research Engagement (COE-SCORE) initiative.
News in Brief: Project Rally Pickleball Cancer Survivors
Project Rally uses pickleball to help cancer survivors improve fitness and social connections. Led by Nathan Parker, Ph.D., at Moffitt Cancer Center, the pilot study ran Sept. 2023–Jan. 2024 with 23 participants. Survivors increased weekly exercise, built friendships, and improved physical strength. Plans for program expansion are underway.
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