Dink! Kitchen rules. Punch! What do these words have in common? They are phrases frequently used around the pickleball court. Rooted in its creation in 1965, pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in America and continues to expand worldwide. As a sport predominantly played by older adults, there are many benefits beyond fitness to staying active with this social and fun sport. However, as with nearly every rigorous activity, injuries can and do occur. From ocular injuries, to sprains, strains, and fractures, emergency rooms have seen a staggering increase in pickleball-related injuries. In fact, the estimated cost associated with pickleball injuries for Americans in 2023 was nearly $400 million.

As physical therapists, this is where we intervene- prevention, rehabilitation, and performance. The Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE), routinely used at the National Senior Games, is an excellent screening tool to determine athletic readiness for older adults. The SAFE examines an athlete’s cardiovascular, musculature, flexibility, and balance fitness producing a “report card” on the individual’s health. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to this paddle sport game. Similar to tennis, badminton, and racquetball, the athlete’s ability to change speed and direction while remaining balanced is paramount to avoiding slips, trips, falls, and dives – the most common mechanisms of injury. Additionally, environmental awareness and bone health are essential, lesser discussed, topics for senior athletes.

With preventative and sports-specific training, pickleball athletes can enjoy the sport and the positive impact it creates for their well-being. Pickleball promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, an inclusive and intergenerational community, increased mental health, and a slew of positive physiological effects. For these reasons, and many more, it is easy to see why older Americans have embraced this sport and pickleball continues to rule the courts.

Upon completion of this session, the attendee will:

• Define common terminology, equipment, and game play associated with pickleball.
• Identify the common musculoskeletal injuries players experience while playing pickleball.
• Understand how the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) can help identify and prevent injuries for pickleball athletes, especially older players.
• Explain the well-being benefits for players, especially older adults associated with playing pickleball.