THE IMPACT OF PADEL ON CARDIOMETABOLIC AND PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH: EVALUATING CLINICAL BENEFITS AGAINST THE RISK OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6000Keywords:
Padel, Racket Sports, Cardiometabolic Health, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Sports Medicine, Physical FitnessAbstract
Background. Padel currently ranks among the fastest-growing racket sports worldwide, mainly thanks to its social accessibility and relatively low technical entry barrier. However, there is a growing need to look at both sides of its health profile: the documented clinical benefits versus the considerable risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Aim. This narrative review aimed to synthesise the existing literature comparing the cardiometabolic and psychosocial benefits of padel with the prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal injuries.
Material and methods. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The analysis focused on studies examining physiological demands, mental health outcomes, and injury patterns among amateur and professional padel players.
Results. The evidence shows that regular padel practice tends to improve cardiovascular fitness and produces favourable acute changes in metabolic biomarkers, although the evidence for sustained changes in lipid profile is still mixed. Padel also seems to bring psychosocial benefits, including enhanced social engagement and reduced perceived stress. On the other hand, the sport’s biomechanical demands, with rapid decelerations and repetitive overhead strokes, carry a substantial injury burden, predominantly affecting the elbow (epicondylitis), knee, ankle, and shoulder.
Conclusions. Padel is a useful tool for promoting health; but practitioners need to be aware of the injury burden it carries. Targeted prevention and proper physical conditioning matter, particularly for recreational participants.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jerzy Buszko, Adrianna Buż, Damian Danilczuk, Marta Bajkowska-Piterak, Monika Szlachta-Gubernat, Michał Dyś, Nicol Baran, Przemysław Piterak, Wiktor Adamiec
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