Project Rally: Pilot Findings From A YMCA Pickleball Program For Cancer Survivors

Physical activity (PA) helps ameliorate adverse effects of cancer and treatment, but lack of interest, enjoyment, and social support frequently pose barriers to adoption and maintenance. The enormous popularity of pickleball stems from its unique combination of PA, friendly competition, and social interaction, making it a promising program modality for cancer survivors. PURPOSE: We examined feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes in a YMCA-based pilot of Project Rally, the first pickleball program for cancer survivors. METHODS: We recruited adult cancer survivors on a rolling basis to engage in ≥3 months of Project Rally. Sessions (2 hours each, 5 days/week) included warm-up, individual and small group instruction, gameplay, and cool-down with coaching and supervision from a certified YMCA exercise trainer and pickleball coach. Recommended attendance was ≥2 hours/week. Feasibility metrics included recruitment, retention (study completion), and adherence (attendance). Likert-type items about program aspects (scored 1-5 with 5 most favorable) evaluated acceptability. Pre- and post-program outcome measures included self-reported PA, PA social support and enjoyment, quality of life, and objective fitness and physical function. RESULTS: Twenty-one cancer survivors (91% female; 43% breast cancer; median age 61, range 47-76; 81% non-Hispanic White) participated for M ± SD 3.5 ± 1.3 months. Recruitment (96%), retention (86%), and adherence (87 ± 40% recommended attendance) exceeded targets (50%, 75%, 75%, respectively). Mean acceptability ratings of all program aspects (range 4.3-4.7) exceeded targets (≥4). Participants had promising outcome improvements (Table 1) with no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Project Rally is feasible and acceptable with potential to increase PA and improve important cancer survivorship outcomes. Community-based, YMCA delivery was critical for pilot success and will enhance future reach and sustainability. Table 1. - Mean change in pilot outcomes Outcome Mean change (95% CI) Moderate-to-vigorous PA (min/week)a +57.3 (-8.7-123.4) Social support for PA (companionship) scoreb +4.2 (.6-7.8) PA enjoyment scorec +2.3 (-1.6-6.1) Health-related quality of life (general health) scored +1.8 (-3.2-6.8) 30-second chair stands (repetitions) +2.1 (.7-3.5) 30-second arm curls (repetitions) +2.8 (1.1-4.5) 6-minute walk test distance (meters) +59.7 (-15.8-135.2) Timed up-and-go speed (seconds) -.5 (-.9-.02) Grip strength (kilograms) +3.2 (-.9-7.2) Supported by: This research was funded by a seed grant from the Moffitt Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach, Engagement & Equity's Support for Community Organization Research Engagement (COEE-SCORE) initiative.