The comparative effectiveness of a team-based versus group-based physical activity intervention for cancer survivors

Purpose Physical activity benefits cancer survivors, but the comparative effectiveness of a team-based delivery approach remains unexplored. The hypothesis tested was that a team-based physical activity intervention delivery approach has added physical and psychological benefits compared to a group-based approach. A team-based sport accessible to survivors is dragon boating, which requires no previous experience and allows for diverse skill levels. Methods In a non-randomized trial, cancer survivors chose between two similarly structured 8-week programs, a dragon boat paddling team ( n = 68) or group-based walking program ( n = 52). Three separate intervention rounds were carried out in 2007–2008. Pre–post testing measured physical and psychosocial outcomes. Results Compared to walkers, paddlers had significantly greater (all p