Differences in Lower Body Power, Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) of the Arms, Grip Strength, and Reaction Time in Recreational Pickleball Players and Sedentary Women: A Pilot Study

Recreational pickleball participation has increased substantially among adult women; however, limited research exists examining neuromuscular performance in this population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of assessing lower body muscular power, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the biceps and triceps brachii, grip strength, and reaction time in active pickleball-playing women compared to sedentary women to inform future research. METHODS: Ten participants (pickleball n=5, sedentary n=5) visited the laboratory to complete anthropometric measurements, lower body power assessment using a standardized sit-to-stand protocol with a Power Tendo device, and upper-extremity assessments including MVC for elbow flexion and extension measured with the Biodex system, grip strength using a hand dynamometer, and reaction time using a meter stick-drop test, all assessed in both dominant and nondominant limbs. RESULTS: The pickleball group had a mean age of 63.60 years, while the sedentary group had a mean age of 31.60 years. Preliminary descriptive findings demonstrated greater upper extremity flexion strength (nondominant +54.43%; dominant +43.61%), grip strength (dominant +13.07%; nondominant +27.68%), and faster reaction time (10.24% and 9.11%) in pickleball participants despite their older average age. No differences were observed in elbow extension or peak velocity. Average power was lower in pickleball participants (−21.58%). CONCLUSIONS: Although statistical analyses were not conducted, the observed descriptive differences in reaction time, MVC, and grip strength warrant further investigation. These findings provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that recreational pickleball participation may influence neuromuscular performance in women. Additional research with larger samples and appropriate statistical testing is needed to more comprehensively evaluate these effects.