In a groundbreaking study, Apple sheds light on the health benefits of pickleball, a sport rapidly gaining popularity. The research, part of the Apple Heart and Movement Study, compared pickleball and tennis to understand their impact on overall health. Here’s what they found:
1. Heart-Pumping Activities:
Researchers collected data from over 250,000 pickleball and tennis workouts tracked with Apple Watches. Both sports led to elevated heart rates, with participants reaching about 70% of their maximum heart rate during workouts. Pickleball workouts were slightly longer, averaging 90 minutes, compared to 81 minutes for tennis.
2. Intensity Comparison:
Tennis workouts had a slightly higher average peak heart rate (152 beats per minute) than pickleball (143 beats per minute). Additionally, tennis workouts spent more time in higher-intensity heart rate zones.
3. Mental Wellbeing:
The study considered the impact of these activities on mental health. Results showed lower levels of depression symptoms among frequent pickleball and tennis players, emphasizing the positive effects of physical activity on mental well-being.
4. Popularity of Pickleball:
The study revealed a growing preference for pickleball, with more participants choosing it over tennis. In July 2023, the number of people playing pickleball surpassed those playing tennis.
5. Utah Leads the Way:
Utah emerged as the state with the highest per capita pickleball participation, highlighting the sport’s popularity and positive influence on residents’ health.
6. A Healthy Choice for All:
Both pickleball and tennis were found to be widespread across various age groups. Men showed a higher preference for both sports, but pickleball players who logged at least ten workouts tended to be older, with a higher female participation rate.
The Apple Heart and Movement Study’s findings confirm the numerous health benefits of these sports and encourage people to enjoy physical activity to improve their overall health.
