The Development of Can Walk Can Run: A Walking and Running Program for People Living With and Beyond Cancer

Discover the development of "Can Walk Can Run," an incredibly worthwhile research project by Dr. Chris Swain focused on creating a walking and running program for people affected by cancer. Now available to read in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health (Feb 2026, Vol. 23 Issue 2, p191–205), this study highlights a unique participatory approach to cancer care. I am so proud to have been a research assistant on this project, which demonstrates high user satisfaction and the potential for larger-scale trials. A new study published in JPAH focuses on encouraging those living with (and beyond) cancer to engage in a variation of “Fun Runs”. In designing the Can Walk Can Run program, Swain et al. utilized an iterative methodological approach and remained open to protocol change during the piloting phase, allowing them to address the preferences of diverse stakeholders. That approach is unique to prior participatory research in cancer care as it considers what is desired by both end-users and external stakeholders. High acceptability and user satisfaction suggests that this intervention is well suited to progress towards evaluation in a larger trial. Citation: SWAIN, C. T., BERGIN, R. J., MOORE, M., D’SOUZA, M., ASHLEY, C., LYNCH, B. M., KOORTS, H., DENEHY, L., & KLAIC, M. (2025). THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAN WALK CAN RUN: A WALKING AND RUNNING PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH AND BEYOND CANCER. JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH, 1(AOP), 1-15. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1123/JPAH.2025-0076 Social & Contact: #8Investments #BeActive #EveryMoveCounts ISPAH.ORG | @ISPAH International Society for Physical Activity and Health

 

Catherine Ashley