UPDATE: New research conducted by Apple on October 18, 2023 highlights the numerous health benefits of pickleball. The study, known as the Apple Heart and Movement Study, aimed to compare pickleball to the traditional sport of tennis and examine their impact on overall health. By analyzing data collected from Apple Watches worn by participants, researchers discovered trends that demonstrate the potential health advantages of both sports.
The data revealed that pickleball and tennis workouts often lasted for long periods of time, with participants achieving an average peak heart rate of 70% of their estimated maximum heart rate. Pickleball workouts were found to last slightly longer than tennis workouts, while tennis workouts generally involved more time spent in higher-intensity heart rate zones and attained a higher average peak heart rate.
Furthermore, the study observed a significant increase in the popularity of pickleball workouts, surpassing tennis workouts for the first time. Utah emerged as the state with the highest number of recorded pickleball workouts per capita, demonstrating the sport’s growing popularity.
The research also indicated that both pickleball and tennis workouts appealed to adults of all ages, with a greater preference among men than women. By analyzing participant behavior and utilizing Apple Watch data, researchers gained valuable insights into factors affecting heart health and mobility over time. This information has allowed for a better understanding of the effects of physical activity on various health and wellness metrics.
Dr. Calum MacRae, a cardiologist and the principal investigator of the Apple Heart and Movement Study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, expressed the significance of the study in advancing knowledge of the consequences of behavior changes on health. The study forms part of Apple’s commitment to public research and collaboration with leading institutions in order to shape the development of scientific findings and enhance the evidence-based features offered by Apple devices and services.
The study also investigated the potential impact of exercise on mental health. Participants were given the option to complete a mental health survey that included a depression screening tool. Results indicated that frequent pickleball and tennis players exhibited lower scores on the depression screening tool, further reinforcing the positive effects of physical activity on mental well-being.
Apple Vice President of Health, Dr. Sumbul Desai, emphasized the importance of research in understanding the mental and physical benefits of activities like pickleball and tennis. Dr. Desai highlighted the modifiable risks associated with cardiovascular disease and stressed the significance of finding enjoyable activities that foster a routine and promote physical activity.
The study reported that the number of participants engaging in pickleball surpassed those playing tennis in July 2023 for the first time. While tennis workouts displayed seasonal variation, pickleball workouts consistently demonstrated growth.
USA Pickleball’s CEO, Mike Nealy, expressed his satisfaction with the inclusion of pickleball-related findings in the Apple Heart and Movement Study. He highlighted the various benefits of the sport for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, emphasizing its role in promoting a healthy, social, and active lifestyle.
The study also revealed that Utah demonstrated the highest per capita participation in pickleball, underscoring the state’s enthusiasm for the sport. Utah Governor, Spencer J. Cox, celebrated the research findings as evidence of Utahns’ willingness to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives and highlighted the long-term health benefits associated with exercise.
The Apple Heart and Movement Study, conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the American Heart Association, and Apple, boasts more than 200,000 participants across the United States. Its aim is to explore the relationship between physical activity and heart health, offering valuable insights into the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
For pickleball players using Apple Watch, the study provided several tips to optimize their experience. Users can track their pickleball sessions by selecting “Pickleball” in the Workout app. Additionally, users can customize their Workout views to include Heart Rate Zones to monitor workout intensity. Activity data can be easily reviewed on the Fitness app on iPhone or the Health app on iPhone and iPad.
Apple Watch offers various features to enhance the pickleball experience, including the upcoming double tap gesture on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which allows users to handle calls and messages with one hand while engaged in the sport. The custom Focus feature on iPhone enables users to control alerts and notifications, ensuring uninterrupted concentration during gameplay. Additionally, Apple Pay on Apple Watch allows for convenient and contactless payments, and the integration of AirTag technology allows users to keep track of their pickleball bag.
Overall, the research conducted by Apple provides significant insights into the health benefits of pickleball and tennis, highlighting the positive impact of physical activity on both physical and mental well-being.
