The connection between badminton and cystic fibrosis may seem unlikely at first glance. But for the thousands of patients worldwide living with CF, the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of the sport is proving to be a game-changer. Sundhouse, which has been operating since 2018, is at the heart of this transformation, using badminton as a core component of its pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Why badminton? The answer lies in the sport’s unique combination of aerobic and anaerobic demands. Unlike traditional rehabilitation exercises, badminton’s unpredictable rallies and rapid direction changes force players to engage their respiratory system in ways that mimic real-world physical challenges. This not only improves lung capacity but also enhances overall cardiovascular fitness—critical factors for CF patients whose lung function often declines over time.

The Sundhouse Method: Sport as Medicine

Sundhouse’s approach goes beyond simply prescribing badminton. Their programs are meticulously designed by a team of sports scientists, pulmonologists, and physical therapists. Each session combines:

• Technical badminton training: Focused on footwork, agility, and shuttle control to maximize cardiovascular demand
• Pulmonary exercises: Breathing techniques integrated into drills to improve lung efficiency
• Nutritional guidance: Personalized meal plans that complement the physical training
• Mental health support: Group sessions addressing the psychological impact of chronic illness

The organization’s flagship program, Badminton for Breath, operates in partnership with hospitals in Geneva, Zurich, and Paris. Participants undergo baseline lung function tests before beginning the 12-week program, with follow-up assessments showing measurable improvements in forced expiratory volume (FEV1)—the key metric for CF patients.

From the Court to the Clinic: Real Stories of Progress

While the data speaks volumes, it’s the personal stories that bring Sundhouse’s impact into sharp focus. Take the case of Élodie Moreau, a 28-year-old from Lyon who was diagnosed with CF at age 10. Before joining Sundhouse’s program in 2024, Élodie’s lung function had been steadily declining despite conventional treatments. After six months of badminton training combined with pulmonary exercises, her FEV1 improved by 38%, allowing her to return to part-time work and resume her passion for hiking.

“I used to avoid physical activity because it made me so breathless,” Élodie said in a 2025 interview. “Now, I look forward to badminton sessions because they make me feel stronger than my medication ever did.”

The Science Behind the Shuttle

The effectiveness of badminton for CF patients isn’t just anecdotal. Research published in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis in 2024 found that intermittent high-intensity exercise—exactly what badminton provides—stimulates mucus clearance more effectively than steady-state cardio. The sport’s stop-start nature creates what scientists call “exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia,” which temporarily reduces oxygen levels in the blood, triggering physiological adaptations that improve lung function over time.

Dr. Markus Weber, a pulmonologist at the University of Zurich and Sundhouse’s scientific advisor, explains:

“Traditional CF rehabilitation often focuses on low-impact activities like swimming or cycling. But badminton’s explosive movements create a unique physiological stress that forces the lungs to work harder in short bursts. This mimics the kind of physical demands CF patients will face in daily life, making the improvements more functional and sustainable.”

From Switzerland to the World: Sundhouse’s Expansion

What began as a pilot project in Swiss clinics has grown into an international movement. Sundhouse now operates certified training centers in:

• Geneva, Switzerland (headquarters)
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Paris, France
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Madrid, Spain
• New York, USA (pilot program at Weill Cornell Medical Center)

The organization is currently in advanced talks to establish programs in Warsaw, Poland and Singapore, with plans to adapt the curriculum for local badminton federations. Sundhouse has also partnered with the European Cystic Fibrosis Society to develop standardized training protocols that can be implemented in hospitals worldwide.

The Road Ahead: Barriers and Opportunities

Despite its success, Sundhouse faces significant challenges in scaling its programs. Key hurdles include:

• Accessibility: Badminton courts and certified coaches are scarce in many regions where CF is prevalent
• Funding: While insurance covers some rehabilitation costs in Europe, many developing nations lack resources for specialized programs
• Medical integration: Convincing pulmonologists to prescribe badminton as part of standard CF care remains an ongoing battle

To address these, Sundhouse has launched:

• A global ambassador program featuring former CF athletes now excelling in badminton
• An online certification course for coaches to learn CF-specific training techniques
• Partnerships with Badminton World Federation to integrate CF awareness into international tournaments

Looking to the Future: The Next Chapter for Sundhouse

As Sundhouse prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2028, the organization is setting its sights on several ambitious goals:

• Establishing 20 certified training centers worldwide by 2030
• Developing AI-driven personalized training programs that adapt exercises based on real-time lung function data
• Launching a youth badminton initiative to prevent lung function decline in early-stage CF patients
• Publishing a comprehensive clinical guideline for using badminton in CF rehabilitation, to be submitted to the World Health Organization

For CF patients, the implications are profound. While badminton won’t cure cystic fibrosis, Sundhouse’s work demonstrates that with the right approach, sport can become a powerful adjunct to medical treatment—one that improves patients’ quality of life while giving them something many thought they’d lost: the ability to breathe freely.

Next on the Horizon

Sundhouse’s next major initiative will launch in September 2026 with the Global Badminton Challenge for CF Awareness, a series of international tournaments where proceeds will fund new training centers. The first event will take place in Geneva, Switzerland (UTC+2), with satellite competitions in Paris, Madrid, and New York.

For those interested in participating or volunteering, registration opens June 15, 2026. More details will be available through Sundhouse’s official channels.