Pickleball's Health Trade-Off: Cardio Gains and Rising Injury Risks for Older Players
Pickleball, recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the United States, has experienced a staggering 90 percent increase in emergency room visits from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, injuries related to the sport have incurred over $350 million in medical costs. A significant 90 percent of these ER visits involve adults aged 50 and older, with falls being the primary cause; wrist fractures are particularly prevalent among women over 60. Additionally, players aged 30 to 50 often suffer from overuse injuries, such as 'pickleball elbow.' Nevertheless, the sport provides cardiovascular and mental health advantages. Research indicates that players spend more than 70 percent of their time in moderate-to-vigorous heart rate zones, enhancing balance, burning calories, and improving mood, especially for those over 50. To avoid injuries, players are advised to gradually acclimate to the game.
Key facts
- Emergency department visits for pickleball injuries rose roughly 90 percent between 2020 and 2022.
- Adults over 50 account for about 90 percent of pickleball-related emergency room visits.
- UBS analysts estimated pickleball injuries caused more than $350 million in medical costs in 2023.
- About 92 percent of pickleball-related bone fractures resulted from falls.
- A Journal of Aging and Physical Activity study found players spent over 70 percent of time in moderate-to-vigorous heart rate zones, averaging 109–111 beats per minute.
- The Apple Heart and Movement Study analyzed more than 250,000 pickleball and tennis workouts.
- Western Colorado University researchers found recreational players burned an average of 354 calories per hour.
- A systematic review of 14 studies linked pickleball to higher life satisfaction and lower depression, strongest among players over 50.
Entities
Institutions
- Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
- Apple
- Apple Heart and Movement Study
- Harvard Medical School
- Western Colorado University
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- UBS
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute
- Baptist Health
- Atlantic Health
Locations
- United States
- Utah
Sources
- Quartz —