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Pickleball for Inactive Mid-Life and Older Adults in Rural Utah: A Feasibility Study

Author

Listed:
  • Paige Wray

    (Department of Home and Community, Utah State University Extension, Monticello, San Juan County, UT 84535, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.)

  • Callahan K. Ward

    (Department of Home and Community, Utah State University Extension, Panguitch, Garfield County, UT 84759, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.)

  • Cindy Nelson

    (Department of Home and Community, Utah State University Extension, Beaver, Beaver County, UT 84713, USA)

  • Sandra H. Sulzer

    (Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA)

  • Christopher J. Dakin

    (Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA)

  • Brennan J. Thompson

    (Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA)

  • Matthew Vierimaa

    (School of Kinesiology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada)

  • Debasree Das Gupta

    (Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA)

  • David A. E. Bolton

    (Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA)

Abstract

Many diseases, disabilities, and mental health conditions associated with aging can be delayed or prevented through regular exercise. Several barriers to exercise, many of which are exacerbated in rural communities, prevent mid-life and older adults from accessing its benefits. However, recently, a racquet sport named pickleball has become popular among older adults, and it appears to overcome some of these barriers. We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the impact of a six-week pickleball intervention on measures of muscle function, cognitive function, perceived pain, and cardio-metabolic risk, as well as several psychosocial factors contributing to adherence in sedentary rural participants. Participants improved their vertical jump, cognitive performance, and reported a decrease in self-reported pain, suggesting improved physical and cognitive health across the sample. Participants also reported high levels of satisfaction and demonstrated good adherence over the duration of the study. Perhaps of greatest value was the overwhelmingly positive response from participants to the intervention and follow-up interviews reporting a desire to continue pickleball play beyond the study period. Overall, pickleball appears to be a promising intervention to, (1) elicit functional- and cognitive-related improvements, and (2) motivate mid-life and older adults to adhere to exercise sufficiently long to benefit their health.

Suggested Citation

  • Paige Wray & Callahan K. Ward & Cindy Nelson & Sandra H. Sulzer & Christopher J. Dakin & Brennan J. Thompson & Matthew Vierimaa & Debasree Das Gupta & David A. E. Bolton, 2021. "Pickleball for Inactive Mid-Life and Older Adults in Rural Utah: A Feasibility Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8374-:d:610270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hart, L.G. & Larson, E.H. & Lishner, D.M., 2005. "Rural definitions for health policy and research," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(7), pages 1149-1155.
    2. Madden, Erin Fanning, 2019. "Intervention stigma: How medication-assisted treatment marginalizes patients and providers," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 232(C), pages 324-331.
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    1. Songyan Wang & Chao-Chien Chen & Yen-Hsu Chu & Hsiao-Hsien Lin & Kuo-Chiang Ting & Chin-Hsien Hsu, 2023. "Predicting the Sustainability of Pickleball Competitions as a New Sport from the Behavioral Intention of Pickleball Players," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-18, April.

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