Comparison of Physical Activity and Stress Levels of Individuals Playing Pickleball in Türkiye and Abroad

The aim of this study is to compare the physical activity and perceived stress levels of individuals who play pickleball in Türkiye and abroad in terms of various sociodemographic and sport-related variables. The study was conducted using a quantitative research approach and employed a comparative descriptive research design with independent samples. The data obtained in the study were collected through the Physical Activity Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale administered to the participants, and the analyses were performed using appropriate statistical procedures in the SPSS program. A total of 144 pickleball players, including 73 from Türkiye and 71 from abroad, participated in the study. The findings revealed that the mean physical activity scores did not show a statistically significant difference between Turkish and foreign players. However, the mean perceived stress scores differed significantly between the two groups. Physical activity levels did not differ significantly in terms of sociodemographic and sport-related variables (gender, frequency of playing pickleball, age, regular participation in sports, and the reason for playing pickleball). The perceived stress levels of the participants were similar with respect to gender, playing frequency, and age variables; however, they differed significantly in terms of regular participation in sports and the reason for playing pickleball. These results indicate that the stress and physical activity profiles of pickleball players may vary according to certain sociodemographic and sport-related variables.