University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division
Secondary Analysis of Pickleball Participation and Health Outcomes Among Older Adults
Presenter Hometown
Versailles, KY
Major
Public Health
Department
Health Promotion and Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Jonathan Vorbeck
Mentor Department
Health Promotion and Administration
Recommended Citation
Maynard, Sarah, "Secondary Analysis of Pickleball Participation and Health Outcomes Among Older Adults" (2026). University Presentation Showcase Event. 2.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2026/graduate/2
Abstract
Pickleball has quickly grown in popularity across the United States, and many older adults have adopted the sport as a regular part of their routine. Because physical activity often declines with age, finding exercise options that are enjoyable, social, and appropriate for varying ability levels is important for supporting healthy aging. Early studies suggest that pickleball may help older adults stay active, feel more connected to others, and maintain functional abilities. However, much of the existing research is small in scale or short in duration, leaving important gaps in understanding how pickleball participation relates to key health outcomes for seniors.
The purpose of this study is to explore how often adults aged 65 and older play pickleball and how their participation relates to physical activity levels, balance confidence, social well-being, and perceptions of injury or fall risk. By examining these relationships, the study aims to better understand whether pickleball may serve as an effective and appealing physical activity option for older adults in community settings.
This project will use a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design. Participants will include adults aged 65 and older who regularly play pickleball in Madison and Fayette Counties, Kentucky. Data will be gathered through a self-administered survey that collects demographic information, patterns of participation, and responses to validated measures related to physical activity and psychosocial outcomes. Descriptive statistics and correlational analyses will be used to examine associations between participation and selected health indicators.
Presentation format
Other
Secondary Analysis of Pickleball Participation and Health Outcomes Among Older Adults
Pickleball has quickly grown in popularity across the United States, and many older adults have adopted the sport as a regular part of their routine. Because physical activity often declines with age, finding exercise options that are enjoyable, social, and appropriate for varying ability levels is important for supporting healthy aging. Early studies suggest that pickleball may help older adults stay active, feel more connected to others, and maintain functional abilities. However, much of the existing research is small in scale or short in duration, leaving important gaps in understanding how pickleball participation relates to key health outcomes for seniors.
The purpose of this study is to explore how often adults aged 65 and older play pickleball and how their participation relates to physical activity levels, balance confidence, social well-being, and perceptions of injury or fall risk. By examining these relationships, the study aims to better understand whether pickleball may serve as an effective and appealing physical activity option for older adults in community settings.
This project will use a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design. Participants will include adults aged 65 and older who regularly play pickleball in Madison and Fayette Counties, Kentucky. Data will be gathered through a self-administered survey that collects demographic information, patterns of participation, and responses to validated measures related to physical activity and psychosocial outcomes. Descriptive statistics and correlational analyses will be used to examine associations between participation and selected health indicators.
