Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University (SLU) is addressing the rise in pickleball-related injuries with a new research initiative. The SLU TIP Lab has launched SPIN, which stands for Surveillance in Pickleball Players to reduce Injury burden. This multi-year project aims to explore injury concerns and health benefits associated with pickleball.

The SPIN Project will begin with an online survey targeting 3,000 participants of various skill levels and ages 18 and older. This survey seeks to gather detailed information on the frequency and types of injuries players experience. "We are recruiting 3,000 participants for this phase of the study from across all skill and age levels, age 18 and older, to give us the most accurate picture of pickleball injuries available to date," said Owoeye, assistant professor of physical therapy at SLU.

Following data analysis, researchers will develop prevention strategies to be tested for their effectiveness. Additionally, studies will be conducted to evaluate the health benefits that pickleball players might gain from participating in the sport. Owoeye noted, “We know that increased physical activity has many benefits... but because the increase in pickleball participation is so recent, we can’t accurately state how effective pickleball participation is at providing these and more benefits.”

To aid in participant recruitment for the injury survey, SLU TIP Lab has partnered with PEAK Sport and Spine Physical Therapy, Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), and the St. Louis Shock Professional Pickleball Club. The lab is also seeking further partners for ongoing phases of both the SPIN project and the Umbrella Pickleball Project.

Owoeye highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the surge in pickleball's popularity: “The recent burst in pickleball participation in the United States has provided a unique opportunity to study injuries and health benefits of a new activity almost from its inception.”