A recent nationwide study by Saint Louis University researchers examined injury patterns among 1,758 U.S. pickleball players and found that increased Body Mass Index (BMI) did not raise injury risk, distinguishing pickleball from other sports where higher BMI is a factor. The study revealed a high injury prevalence, with 68.5% reporting at least one injury in the past year, primarily affecting the knee, lower extremities, shoulder, back, and elbow. Key injury predictors included male sex, frequent weekly play, fewer years of experience, lower emphasis on injury prevention, and age between 33 and 77 years, while neither longer play duration nor higher BMI significantly increased injury odds.
The researchers emphasize the importance of evidence-based prevention strategies such as neuromuscular warm-ups, recovery routines, and skill-focused training, especially for novice players, to reduce injury risk. A second phase of the study is underway to test the effectiveness of a pickleball-specific warm-up and recovery program. This research highlights pickleball as a potentially safe and beneficial physical activity for overweight or obese individuals, offering a promising intervention for weight control without increased injury risk.
