Training Load, Injuries, and Well-Being in Youth Padel Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of acute and overuse injuries, as well as risk factors, training load and well-being, in male and female youth padel players. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 104 players (aged 15-20) via a web-based form. Players reported injuries, exposure and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), demographics (age and sex), and perceived well-being. Overuse injury severity was scored per body region (0-25), yielding a total possible score of 125. A total of six acute and 49 overuse injuries were recorded, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.53 injuries per player during a one-week recall period. Most injuries affected the knee, while the foot and lower leg had the highest severity scores (median = 44). Female players reported slightly higher stress levels (median 3) than males (median 2: p = 0.01), though no other well-being or training load differences were found. Injured players had significantly higher total wellness scores, indicating worse well-being, compared to non-injured players (median 10 vs. 9, p = 0.03). In conclusion, overuse injuries, particularly to the knee, were most common. Higher perceived stress and poorer wellness scores may be linked to injury risk, underlining the importance of monitoring well-being in youth padel athletes.