Differences in Upper and Lower Body Bone Mineral Density, Lean Mass, Fat Mass, and Body Fat Percentage Between Sedentary and Recreational Female Pickleball Players: A DEXA-Based Pilot Study

Authors

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

Abstract

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports among older women and includes low-impact, weight-bearing movements that may help support musculoskeletal health and body composition. However, there is limited research examining how recreational pickleball participation relates to bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of examining differences in upper- and lower body BMD, lean mass, and body fat percentage between sedentary and recreational female pickleball players. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was designed using pickleball players (PB; n= 5) and sedentary women (S; n=5). The PB met criteria of ≥2 times/week for ≥2 months while S reported no structured exercise. Prior to DEXA assessment, hydration status was verified to minimize fluid-related variability. Before scanning, participants were positioned supine and centered on the table, with feet secured and arms placed at their sides to ensure consistent alignment. A whole-body DEXA was used to measure upper- and lower- body BMD, lean mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage. Aggregate values were used to compare outcomes between groups. RESULTS: Descriptive comparisons showed that PB demonstrated comparable or higher mean values for upper-body BMD (0.93 vs 0.90 g/cm²), lower-body BMD (1.14 vs 1.04 g/cm²), upper-body lean mass (25,526 vs 21,088 g), and lower-body lean mass (15,250 vs 12,186 g) compared to S. Mean body fat percentage was 39.1% in PB and 40.8% in S. Importantly, PB were 32 years older on average (63.6 vs 31.6 years), yet musculoskeletal measures were similar between groups based on mean values. CONCLUSION: This pilot study only examined descriptive averages and did not include statistical testing. PB showed comparable bone density and lean mass relative to younger S, despite the substantial 32-year age difference. The similarities observed across a large age gap justify further research.  Since bone density and muscle mass typically decline with age, these findings are meaningful and suggest that regular pickleball participation may help support musculoskeletal health as women age. Larger, age-matched, and longitudinal studies are needed to better understand whether pickleball participation may play a role in maintaining bone and muscle health, as well as body composition over time.

Recommended Citation

Naranjo, Kamila; Gonzalez, Pamela; Elshafie, Ayah R.; Elshafie, Hashim A.; Garcia, Victoria; Cisneros, Areli; Azpeitia, Jabeth; Karabulut, Ulku; De Leon, Rebekah; and Perez, Guillermo (2026) "Differences in Upper and Lower Body Bone Mineral Density, Lean Mass, Fat Mass, and Body Fat Percentage Between Sedentary and Recreational Female Pickleball Players: A DEXA-Based Pilot Study," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 18, Article 233.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/233