This week, Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Alec DeCastro about the health and wellness benefits of playing pickleball. Dr. DeCastro is an Associate Professor and Program Director for Primary Care Sports Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine and Orthopedics at MUSC.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Pickleball has been widely recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the US in recent years. Doctor Alec DeCastro is here to talk about some of the health and wellness benefits of playing this sport. Doctor DeCastro is an Associate Professor and he's Program Director for Primary Care Sports Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine and Orthopedics at MUSC. Doctor DeCastro, so many people would say that they're playing pickleball just for the fun of it. But I'm wondering from your perspective, what are some of the top health and wellness benefits for adults who are playing this sport?
Dr. DeCastro: I look at pickleball as a real health trifecta. First, it provides moderate cardiovascular exercise that's surprisingly low impact, so it strengthens the heart while being easier on the aging joints. Second, the quick lateral movements improve balance and agility, which is one of the most important ways we can prevent falls in older adults. And then finally, the social connection is huge. It combats isolation and loneliness. So you're really training your heart, your reflexes, and your mental health all at once.
Conner: And why is this particular sport or fitness activity especially good for people who are in the older adult years?
Dr. DeCastro: I think it really comes down to the mechanics of the court. A pickleball court is about one-quarter the size of a tennis court, so for somebody a little older, that can be a game-changer. You get the cardiovascular benefits of a racket sport without the long sprints that tend to flare up arthritis or knee problems. The other thing is it's really highly scalable. You don't age out of pickleball. You can play a slower strategy-based game or a faster, more athletic one, which makes it a sustainable, lifelong activity.
Conner: What are some of the additional wellness benefits for being involved in pickleball, again, for adults and also older adults?
Dr. DeCastro: I think the wellness impact of pickleball can be huge, and a lot of that comes from proximity. You know, on a pickleball court, you're close enough to talk and laugh between points, which turns into a workout, into a social event. Social isolation is a major health risk factor as we age. So, when people are high-fiving and engaging with the community, they're not just burning calories, they're actively fighting depression and anxiety. So, it's really a holistic medicine disguised as a game.
Conner: What are some of the best strategies to prevent injuries in pickleball?
Dr. DeCastro: The number one rule I tell my patients is do not wear running shoes. Running shoes are designed for moving forward, but pickleball really involves a lot of side-to-side cutting. So, you need a dedicated court shoe to prevent rolling your ankle. Rule number two is to treat the warm-up as part of a game. So don't walk out onto the court cold. Just five minutes of dynamic movement helps. And then finally control your volume. If you haven't played in years, don't start with a three-hour session. Let your body adapt gradually.
Conner: And what about pickleball players who may have a chronic condition of some sort? What do they need to do to keep safe in this sport?
Dr. DeCastro: For most people, I encourage patients to have a visit with a doctor. But that's not just asking for permission, it's really asking for parameters. So, for example, if you have a heart condition or joint replacement, your doctor usually wants you moving. They just may set a speed limit, like keeping your heart rate under a certain number or recommending a brace. Think of it as a quick pre-game huddle to make sure you don't get sidelined before you even get started.
Conner: Doctor DeCastro, thanks for talking with us about pickleball.
Dr. DeCastro: You're welcome.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
