Purpose: This study aims to determine the two-year point prevalence and period prevalence of pickleball- related injuries and to identify associated risk factors among male pickleball club participants in K-city, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Method: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 72 male participants (mean age = 56.9±8.6 years). Data were collected through structured, face-to-face interviews. The study calculated the two- year period prevalence (August 1, 2023–July 31, 2025) and lifetime prevalence since the initiation of club participation. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and binary logistic regression, were performed to identify predictors of injury, with significance set at p<.05.
Results: Overall, 48.6% of participants reported at least one injury within the past two years, corresponding to an incidence rate of 2.41 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures (95% CI: 1.62–3.21). The elbow was the most frequently injured anatomical region (45.2%). The period prevalence rate was 51.4%. Chronic pain was reported by 44.4% of participants (n=32), most commonly in the knee (34.3%). Significant associations were observed between the two-year point prevalence and prior injury history, participation in additional fitness activities, and chronic pain ( p<.05). Period prevalence was significantly associated with previous experience in other sports and chronic pain ( p<.05). Among all predictor variables, chronic pain was the only factor that remained a significant predictor of the two-year point prevalence ( p<.05).
Conclusion: Pickleball-related injuries are highly prevalent among male club members, with a notable concentration of pathologies at the elbow joint. The strong association between chronic pain and subsequent injury highlights the need for targeted, individualized injury prevention and management strategies. These findings suggest that screening for chronic musculoskeletal pain may be a critical component in reducing injury rates. Future longitudinal research is warranted to elucidate injury mechanisms and develop evidence-based interventions to promote safer sports participation.