“Pickleball Participation and the Health and Well-Being of Adults-A Scoping Review” by Kim Stroesser, Adam Mulcaster, and David M. Andrews provides a timely and clinically relevant synthesis of the growing evidence base surrounding one of the fastest-growing physical activities in North America and beyond. This report offers evidence about the health benefits of Pickleball that can be considered by cancer survivors as an activity that can provide them with moderate intensity exercise that is recommended for long-term survivorship.
For physicians and patients alike, this article is important because it frames pickleball not merely as a recreational pastime, but as a legitimate, accessible health-promoting physical activity—particularly for middle-aged and older adults.
From a physician perspective, the review offers valuable insights into the multidimensional health effects of pickleball, encompassing psychological, social, physiological, and injury-related outcomes. Across 27 included studies, pickleball participation was consistently associated with improved psychological well-being, including reductions in loneliness, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress, as well as improvements in life satisfaction and overall quality of life. These findings are particularly relevant for clinicians caring for older adults, for whom social isolation, depression, and reduced physical activity are common and interrelated challenges. Importantly, the review highlights pickleball as a form of “serious leisure,” an activity that fosters identity, purpose, and sustained engagement—factors known to enhance adherence to physical activity prescriptions.
Physicians will also appreciate the review’s summary of physiological benefits. Pickleball appears capable of meeting or exceeding moderate-intensity physical activity thresholds recommended by public health guidelines. Studies included in the review demonstrate improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, lipid profiles, energy expenditure, and daily step counts. Notably, a 6-week pickleball intervention was associated with approximately a 1-MET increase in aerobic capacity—an improvement linked in prior literature to meaningful reductions in cardiovascular mortality. These data position pickleball as a practical exercise option for patients who may be unwilling or unable to participate in traditional gym-based programs.
Equally important for clinicians is the article’s balanced discussion of injury risk. While pickleball is generally portrayed as a lower-risk sport compared with other racquet sports, the review documents a rising incidence of injuries—largely attributable to the sport’s rapid growth and older participant demographic. Common injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, overuse syndromes, and, less commonly, ocular trauma. For physicians, this underscores the importance of anticipatory guidance: recommending proper footwear, warm-up routines, strength and balance training, eye protection, and gradual progression—especially for deconditioned or older patients. The review also highlights a notable gap in formal injury surveillance and prevention research, an area where clinicians and sports medicine professionals can contribute meaningfully.
For patients, this article offers reassurance and motivation. It reinforces that pickleball is enjoyable, social, and adaptable to varying fitness levels—qualities that strongly influence long-term participation. Patients often struggle with maintaining physical activity due to boredom, fear of injury, or lack of social support. The review shows that pickleball’s “fun factor,” strong community culture, and intergenerational inclusivity make it particularly appealing and sustainable. For older adults, the documented improvements in balance, strength, cognitive engagement, and perceived pain are especially compelling, as these factors directly relate to independence, fall prevention, and healthy aging.
Patients can also benefit from the article’s honest discussion of risks. By understanding that injuries most commonly occur early in the season or among those who are under-conditioned, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce risk. The review empowers patients to view pickleball as a health-enhancing activity when approached thoughtfully, rather than as a risk-free endeavor.
In conclusion, this scoping review is important because it bridges recreational sport and preventive medicine. For physicians, it provides evidence to confidently recommend pickleball as a viable exercise intervention while acknowledging injury considerations. For patients, it validates pickleball as a socially engaging, enjoyable, and health-promoting activity that can support physical, psychological, and social well-being across adulthood. It is one of the sports that should be considered by cancer survivors as a source of beneficial moderate intensity exercise.
Reference: Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2024, 21, 847-860
