Physical Activity Associated with Older Adult Pickleball Participation: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The quantity and quality of physical activity accrued from recreational pickleball participation have not been published. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount and intensity of physical activity older adults (65 years and older) get from pickleball participation. Thirty-three pickleball participants wore FitbitHR monitors for 2 weeks and logged days/times of pickleball participation. On average, participants spent over 68 min of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) per playing session. Playing pickleball had beneficial cardiovascular benefits, as participants averaged over 86 min at increased heart rate zones. On average, participants gained significantly more steps on pickleball play days versus non-pickleball play days. Pickleball play days were found to have significantly more MVPA minutes, and participants were significantly less sedentary. The results inform sport and leisure providers evidence that pickleball participation helps older adults meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USHHS) recommended guidelines for MVPA per week if played three or more times. Knowing the health benefits of pickleball may assist sport and leisure managers as they accommodate this popular sport activity.