Pickleball’s surge in popularity across the United States is capturing the attention of Apple Watch users, leading many to trade their tennis rackets for pickleball paddles. While the health benefits of both sports are well-documented, the Apple Heart and Movement Study sought to delve deeper into the implications of this emerging trend.
Conducted by researchers from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, the investigation analyzed data from Apple Watch users, aiming to compare the physical exertion levels and health impacts between pickleball and tennis players.
The study uncovered intriguing insights, revealing that participants engaged in extensive play sessions for both sports, with pickleball players typically spending slightly more time on the court compared to their tennis-playing counterparts. However, tennis workouts tended to result in higher-intensity heart rate zones and elevated average peak heart rates, surpassing those recorded during pickleball sessions.
The growing preference for pickleball over tennis among Apple Watch users has led to a surge in pickleball workouts, especially in states such as Utah, where the sport has gained remarkable traction.
Dr. Calum MacRae, a renowned cardiologist and principal investigator of the Apple Heart and Movement Study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the study’s findings. “The Apple Heart and Movement Study enables us to observe behavioral shifts and their impact on health,” he said, emphasizing the significance of tracking emerging trends such as the increased adoption of pickleball.
Moreover, the study shed light on the demographics of players, highlighting the popularity of both sports among various age groups. While both sports showed a slightly higher preference among male participants, the data indicated that pickleball enthusiasts tend to be slightly older, with an average age of 51 compared to the average age of 45 among tennis players.
The Apple Heart and Movement Study, conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association, aims to deepen the understanding of the correlation between physical activity and heart health. With over 200,000 participants across the US sharing their Apple Watch data, the study is paving the way for comprehensive insights into the relationship between sports and overall wellness.
