Mapping the Evidence on Overuse Injury Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors in Padel: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Padel, originating in Mexico in the 1960s, is a rapidly growing racket sport played globally in 150 countries, predominantly Europe. Its unique 20×10m court with glass walls and intermittent high-intensity demands—repetitive overhead strokes, lateral movements, and rapid accelerations—impose significant musculoskeletal stress. Systematic reviews report injury prevalence of 40-95% (3 injuries/1000 training hours; 8/1000 matches), primarily affecting elbow, shoulder, and knee tendons/joints across all player levels. While overuse injuries from repetitive gestures represent a substantial proportion, evidence on their specific characteristics (types, anatomical sites, severity, mechanisms) and risk factors remains fragmented. This scoping review aims to systematically map available evidence on the characteristics of overuse injuries and associated risk factors in padel players. Methodology: A scoping review will be conducted to analyse scientific articles, academic essays, reviews, and technical literature published between 2010 and 2025, covering the characteristics injuries and risk factors of overuse injuries in paddle players. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BIREME and Google Scholar will be consulted via MeSH and DeCS descriptors related to incidence, prevalence, associated risk factors, anatomical distribution and specific injury characteristics of overload injuries in paddle tennis, complemented by grey literature and snowballing. Expected Results: The results are expected to characterise the main types, anatomical locations, severity, and mechanisms of overuse injuries in padel players, alongside their associated risk factors, providing evidence for prevention strategies.