Research Finds Pickleball Safe for Overweight and Obese Players, Offering a Good Option for Weight Management

A recent study by researchers at Saint Louis University has provided valuable insights into injury patterns among pickleball players across the United States. A key finding from the research is that a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) does not increase the risk of injury among players, indicating that pickleball is a safe activity for individuals who are overweight or obese. This sport may serve as an effective physical activity for those looking to control their weight.

Olu Owoeye, Ph.D., an associate professor of physical therapy at SLU and lead author of the study, highlighted this point, stating, "Unlike other sports where BMI can raise the likelihood of injury, pickleball appears safe for overweight or obese individuals. It might be the ideal exercise intervention for weight management." However, he also pointed out that there remains a lack of comprehensive research on injury patterns and predictors in pickleball.

The study emphasizes that pickleball's physical demands are often underestimated. To promote safe play, implementing evidence-based injury prevention strategies, such as neuromuscular warm-up exercises and tailored recovery routines, is crucial. Additionally, enhancing players' skills and techniques, especially for beginners, can further reduce injury risks.

Published in Sports Medicine—Open, this cross-sectional study surveyed 1,758 pickleball players aged 18 and over who play at least once a month. The results revealed a high injury prevalence, with 68.5% reporting at least one injury in the past year. Notably, 40.8% experienced injuries causing them to miss at least one day of activity, and 51.2% sustained non-time-loss injuries. Many players continued playing despite ongoing pain or injury.

The most common injury locations were the knees (29.1%), followed by the lower extremities, shoulders, back, and elbows. Overuse conditions, joint sprains, and muscle strains were identified as the most serious injury types.

Significant predictors of injury included being male, playing more frequently each week, having fewer years of experience, and being between 33 and 77 years old. Interestingly, neither longer duration of play nor higher BMI significantly increased injury risk. The researchers recommend implementing preventive measures such as neuromuscular warm-ups and skill improvement routines, particularly targeting novice players, to lower injury risks.

Currently, a second phase of research at TIP Lab is evaluating the effectiveness of specific warm-up and recovery routines designed for pickleball players to reduce injuries further.

For more details, refer to the study: Oluwatoyosi B.A. Owoeye et al, Understanding Injury Patterns and Predictors in Pickleball Players: A Nationwide Study of 1,758 Participants, Sports Medicine—Open (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-highlights-pickleball-safety-overweight-players.html