The more you play, the better you feel: a dose–response analysis of pickleball and mental wellbeing in U.S. adults

This study identified a positive dose-response relationship between pickleball participation and mental wellbeing, with greater frequency and duration of play associated with higher wellbeing scores. The effect was suppressed in players with injury history, but consistent across sexes and strongest among older adults, particularly those aged 63-77. These findings support the potential of pickleball as a low-barrier strategy to promote mental health in aging populations.