Comparable Whole-Body Bone Mineral Density and Lean Mass in Older Recreational Pickleball Participants and Younger Sedentary Women: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Authors

Guillermo Perez, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Kamila Naranjo, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Ayah R. Elshafie, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Pamela Gonzalez, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Hashim A. Elshafie, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Victoria Garcia, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Areli Cisneros, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Jabeth Azpeitia, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Rebekah D. Schlatter, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Ulku Karabulut, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Abstract

Age-related declines in bone mineral density, lean mass, and muscular power contribute to increased risk of functional impairment in women. Recreational pickleball involves dynamic, weight-bearing movements that may support musculoskeletal health; however, laboratory-based comparisons across age groups remain limited. PURPOSE: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of laboratory-based assessment of whole-body bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and lower-body power in recreational pickleball participants and sedentary women and explored preliminary age-adjusted group differences. METHODS: Ten women participated (5 sedentary; 5 recreational pickleball participants ≥2 sessions/week). Mean age was 31.6 years in sedentary women and 63.6 years in pickleball participants (32-year difference). Whole-body BMD, lean mass, and fat mass were assessed via DEXA, and lower-body power was measured using a TENDO Power Analyzer during a sit-to-stand test. Univariate ANCOVA models were conducted with Group as the fixed factor and age as a covariate. RESULTS: All participants completed testing procedures without adverse events, supporting protocol feasibility. Whole-body BMD was 1.1736 g/cm² in the pickleball group and 1.1310 g/cm² in the sedentary group (p > .05). Whole-body lean mass averaged 43,791 g in pickleball participants and 36,362 g in sedentary women (p > .05). Whole-body fat mass was 29,943 g and 25,655 g in pickleball and sedentary groups, respectively (p > .05). Sit-to-stand peak power was 804 W in pickleball participants and 1,026 W in sedentary women (p > .05). Despite being 32 years older on average, recreational pickleball participants demonstrated comparable whole-body bone density and lean mass relative to younger sedentary controls. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of laboratory-based assessment of musculoskeletal health in recreational pickleball participants. Although statistical significance was not observed after adjusting for age, the preservation of whole-body bone mineral density and lean mass across a substantial 32-year age gap provides preliminary support for the hypothesis that regular pickleball participation may contribute to maintaining musculoskeletal health with aging. Larger, adequately powered and age-matched studies are warranted to directly test this hypothesis.

Recommended Citation

Perez, Guillermo; Naranjo, Kamila; Elshafie, Ayah R.; Gonzalez, Pamela; Elshafie, Hashim A.; Garcia, Victoria; Cisneros, Areli; Azpeitia, Jabeth; Schlatter, Rebekah D.; and Karabulut, Ulku (2026) "Comparable Whole-Body Bone Mineral Density and Lean Mass in Older Recreational Pickleball Participants and Younger Sedentary Women: A Pilot Feasibility Study," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 18, Article 214.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/214