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Understanding Injury Patterns and Predictors in Pickleball Players: A Nationwide Study of 1,758 Participants
Oluwatoyosi B A Owoeye1, Ted Yemm2, Ryan Blechle3
1Translational Injury Prevention Lab, Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA. olu.owoeye@health.slu.edu.
Sports Medicine - Open
|August 23, 2025
Summary
Pickleball injuries are common, with 69% of players experiencing them annually. Key predictors include male sex, frequent play, less experience, and lower perceived importance of injury prevention.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Recreational Sports Science
Background:
- Pickleball is rapidly growing in the US, but research on injury patterns and predictors is limited.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for player safety and continued participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of pickleball-related injuries, differentiating between time-loss and non-time-loss injuries.
- To identify key predictors associated with sustaining injuries in pickleball players.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,758 US-based pickleball players (age ≥ 18, playing ≥ monthly).
- Participants completed a pre-validated survey reporting all-complaint injuries over the past 12 months.
- Statistical analysis included multivariable logistic regression to identify injury predictors.
Main Results:
- The 12-month injury prevalence was 68.5%, with 40.8% being time-loss injuries.
- Knee (29.1%), lower extremities (26.9%), and shoulder (22.2%) were most commonly injured.
- Predictors included male sex, higher play frequency, less experience (<5 years), and lower perceived importance of injury prevention.
Conclusions:
- Injuries are highly prevalent in pickleball, impacting a significant portion of players annually.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted injury prevention strategies.
- Identified predictors can guide future initiatives to enhance pickleball safety.
