Saint Louis University Pickleball Injury Study: A new national study from Saint Louis University found that a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) does not raise the risk of injury in pickleball players. The research, published August 22 in Sports Medicine – Open, challenges trends seen in other sports where higher BMI often leads to greater injury risk.
Key Findings from the Study
Researchers surveyed 1,758 pickleball players across the U.S., all aged 18 or older and playing at least once a month. The results showed that 68.5% reported at least one injury in the past year. About 40.8% of players had time-loss injuries, while 51.2% had non-time-loss injuries. One in three players continued to play despite pain or injury.
The most injured body part was the knee (29.1%), followed by the lower extremities (26.9%), shoulder (22.2%), back (19.9%), and elbow (18.4%). Serious injuries included overuse conditions, sprains, and muscle strains.
Expert Insights
“Unlike other sports where BMI increased the odds of injury, pickleball appears safe for folks who are overweight or obese,” said Olu Owoeye, Ph.D., associate professor of physical therapy at Saint Louis University and lead author. “Pickleball might be the perfect physical activity intervention for weight control.”
Olu Owoeye also noted the need for more research: “Pickleball is often underestimated in terms of physical demands. It’s crucial to implement evidence-based prevention strategies to ensure players enjoy the sport’s benefits while minimizing injury risks.”
Predictors of Injury
The study identified several factors linked to higher injury risk. Male players, those who played more often each week, players with fewer years of experience, and those who did not value injury prevention were more likely to get hurt. Injuries were also more common among players aged 33 to 77.
However, the research showed that neither the length of playtime nor BMI made injuries more likely.
Next Steps for Research
The Translational Injury Prevention Lab at Saint Louis University is now testing a pickleball-specific warm-up and recovery routine to see if it lowers injury rates. Suggested prevention strategies include neuromuscular warm-ups, structured recovery plans, and training programs that focus on building skill and technique, especially for beginners.
Authors of the Study
Along with Olu Owoeye, the research team included Wassim Mourad, M.D.; Katie Stamatakis, Ph.D.; Timothy Howell, Ed.D.; Mitchell Wayne; Ryan Blechle, DPT; Dawn Kennedy, DPT; and Ted Yemm.
News in Brief: Saint Louis University Pickleball Injury Study
A Saint Louis University study found that higher BMI does not increase pickleball injury risk, unlike in other sports. Researchers surveyed 1,758 players and discovered most injuries involved knees, shoulders, and lower extremities. Experts suggest prevention routines and skill training to keep players safe while enjoying the sport.
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