Community Pickleball Initiative Enhances Health for Cancer Survivors
A recent pilot study conducted by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center reveals that a community-based pickleball program, named Project Rally, significantly benefits cancer survivors by promoting physical and social well-being. This initiative, in collaboration with the YMCA of the Suncoast, has demonstrated promising outcomes in participant engagement, enjoyment, and physical health improvements.
Engaging in physical activity plays a crucial role in the care and rehabilitation of cancer survivors. Regular exercise can mitigate the adverse effects of cancer treatment, empowering survivors to lead fulfilling lives. The health benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle include enhanced cardiovascular health, improved physical capabilities, a healthier body composition, reduced stress levels, and an overall uplift in quality of life. However, statistics indicate that a significant number of cancer survivors--between 53% and 83%--fail to meet the recommended physical activity levels.
The pilot study, which took place from September 2023 to January 2024, involved 23 participants, comprising 18 cancer survivors and five individuals without a cancer history. The cancer survivors, predominantly women aged between 47 and 76, had experienced various cancer types, including breast and hematological cancers. Many had undergone surgeries and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation prior to their participation in the program. The non-cancer participants, all men with a median age of 58, played a supportive role in the study.
Findings from the study revealed that the program was both appealing and accessible. Recruitment efforts were highly effective, with 95.5% of cancer survivors and 77.8% of the non-cancer participants expressing interest in joining the program. The retention rate was also commendable, with 85.7% of cancer survivors completing the program, surpassing the initial target of 75%. Overall, 82.1% of all participants remained engaged throughout the study, achieving an attendance adherence rate of 85.2% for the recommended sessions.
Participants reported substantial increases in their levels of physical activity, with cancer survivors averaging an additional 80 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, including more intense workouts. The program also fostered increased social support, as participants noted enhanced companionship during their physical activities.
Alongside the boost in physical activity, participants demonstrated improvements in physical strength and overall endurance. The social dimensions of the program, which featured group activities and collective learning of pickleball, were particularly well-received. Many participants highlighted the formation of new friendships and the increased motivation to stay active as key advantages of their involvement. Additionally, the support and encouragement provided by the YMCA coach were greatly valued.
This investigation underscores the potential of pickleball as an enjoyable yet effective means of enhancing the physical and emotional health of cancer survivors. The success of Project Rally illustrates how community-based initiatives can offer significant opportunities for cancer survivors to maintain fitness, foster connections, and elevate their quality of life.
The encouraging results from this pilot study are merely the first step for Project Rally. The program's framework, designed to utilize pickleball as a medium for promoting fitness and social engagement, holds the promise of broader applications to assist more cancer survivors. Plans are underway to expand the program to additional locations and introduce more sessions, aiming to enhance the outreach and support for cancer survivors seeking to improve their health through active participation.
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