A pilot study analyzed the differences between 30 minutes of pickleball doubles and 30 minutes of walking at a self-selected pace (Smith, M et al. 2016, “A Comparison of Pickleball and Walking: A Pilot Study”, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 48, no. 5S, pp. 93-94). The pilot study compared the following factors to determine which is better – pickleball or walking:
- Average heart rate
- Peak heart rate
- Total steps taken
- Total calories expended
- Overall perceived level of exertion
- Overall enjoyment level
So, did pickleball or walking do better in connection with each factor?
- Average heart rate – Pickleball caused a higher average heart rate than walking.
- Peak heart rate – Pickleball caused a higher peak heart rate than walking.
- Total steps taken – Walking caused more steps to be taken than walking.
- Total calories expended – Pickleball caused more calories to be expended than walking.
- Overall perceived level of exertion – Pickleball caused greater perceived exertion than walking.
- Overall enjoyment level – Pickleball caused greater enjoyment than walking.
In conclusion, pickleball exceeded walking with respect to each factor, other than the total steps taken. As a result, pickleball is better than walking!
Would you rather walk or play pickleball?! Share with us in the comments below!
