Prevalence and associated factors of pickleball-related injuries among Korean recreational players: a multi-tournament cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pickleball participation has grown rapidly in South Korea, yet epidemiological data on injuries in Korean players remain limited. This study aimed to describe the 12-month prevalence and characteristics of pickleball-related injuries and to identify factors associated with injury occurrence in a multi-tournament sample of Korean recreational players. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered on-site at multiple national pickleball tournaments held in South Korea in 2025. Eligible participants (n = 383; 249 men, 134 women; mean age 47.0 ± 12.8 years) completed a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, playing characteristics, and self-reported musculoskeletal injuries during the preceding 12 months. Injury characteristics including body region, tissue type, onset mechanism, and duration of activity cessation were described. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with injury occurrence, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) reported. RESULTS: Twelve-month injury prevalence was 38.1% (n = 146). Lower extremity injuries were most common (44.0%), with the knee (21.4%) and ankle/foot (15.8%) as the most frequent sites. Muscle and tendon injuries predominated (43.3%), followed by joint injuries (29.1%). Overuse injuries (52.1%) were slightly more frequent than traumatic injuries (47.9%). More than one-third of injured players reported at least 2 weeks of activity cessation. Logistic regression identified male sex (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.04-2.90, p = 0.035) and greater weekly playing hours (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.11, p = 0.006) as significantly associated factors with injury occurrence. CONCLUSION: Approximately two in five Korean recreational pickleball players sustained an injury over 12 months, with lower extremity and overuse injuries predominating. Male sex and greater weekly playing volume were independently associated with injury occurrence, providing a basis for targeted prevention strategies in Korean pickleball populations.