Apple’s latest research sheds light on the health benefits of pickleball. The Apple Heart and Movement Study, conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association, delves into the world of pickleball, a rapidly growing sport. Researchers harnessed data from Apple Watch to compare pickleball to tennis and assess their impact on overall health.
Pickleball
Their findings revealed that participants engaged in both pickleball and tennis often sustained peak heart rates at around 70 percent of their estimated maximum during workouts. Pickleball sessions were slightly longer, lasting 90 minutes on average, compared to 81 minutes for tennis. Tennis workouts generally featured more time in higher-intensity heart rate zones and had a higher average peak heart rate, averaging 152 beats per minute compared to pickleball’s 143 beats per minute.
Furthermore, the research showed that pickleball’s popularity was on the rise, surpassing tennis in recorded workouts for the first time. Utah led the charge with the highest recorded pickleball workouts per capita. Both sports appealed to a wide range of adult ages, with greater male participation.
The study also explored the link between physical activity and mental health. A mental health survey included in the study revealed lower depression scores among frequent pickleball and tennis players, highlighting the potential benefits of physical activity on mental well-being.
Apple’s research underscores the importance of staying active, emphasizing that regular physical activity contributes to an improved quality of life and healthy aging. By examining real-world data from Apple Watch users, the study provides valuable insights into the impact of activities like pickleball. Apple Watch users interested in tracking their pickleball sessions, the Workout app allows them to select “Pickleball” to monitor their activity.
Additionally, they can customize their Workout views to include Heart Rate Zones. Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 users will soon have access to a double tap gesture, making it easier to handle phone calls and messages during their pickleball games. Users can also optimize their focus and even use Apple Pay directly from their wrist. To keep track of their pickleball gear, they can attach an AirTag to their bag and monitor its location through the Find Items app on Apple Watch.
Popular Pickleball
Popular racket sports like table tennis, badminton, and tennis are combined in pickleball. It can be played both indoors and outdoors, usually on a rectangular court with a net in the centre. Though it can also be modified for singles play, the game is usually played as a doubles sport.
Here are some key features and rules of pickleball
Equipment: Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball, similar in size to a Wiffle ball, and a solid paddle, which is larger than a ping pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket.
Court: The court dimensions are smaller than a tennis court, and it is divided into specific areas, including a non-volley zone near the net. The court is divided into service areas on each side of the net.
Scoring: Pickleball uses a rally scoring system, meaning points can be scored by either the serving or receiving team. A game is typically played to 11 points, but you must win by at least two points. Matches are usually best of three games.
Serving: The ball must cross the net and fall in the diagonal service court after the serving team’s underhand serve to begin play. Before returning the ball, the receiving team must let it bounce. A diagonal serve is made.
Non-Volley Zone: The space just in front of the net is known as the non-volley zone, and it is strictly forbidden for players to hit the ball in the air while in there. The purpose of this regulation is to stop players from “smashing” the ball in close proximity.Serving into the net, striking the ball out of bounds, entering the non-volley zone before taking a shot, and double-bouncing the ball are examples of common pickleball errors.
Dinking: The “dink,” which is a delicate, controlled shot that is placed gently over the net, is an essential pickleball tactic. This is frequently done to control the game’s pace and set up points.
Pickleball is a well-liked recreational sport since it’s believed to be accessible to participants of all ages and abilities. For many players, it’s a fun and social game that blends aspects of strategy, hand-eye coordination, and physical activity. Pickleball is played in a variety of venues, such as community centres, schools, and courts specifically designed for the sport. Its appeal is expanding globally.
The Apple Heart and Movement Study is a research initiative and study conducted by Apple Inc. in collaboration with prominent institutions in the field of healthcare and cardiology.
The primary goal of this study is to explore and better understand the relationship between physical activity, particularly activities monitored by Apple Watch, and heart health.Key points about The Apple Heart and Movement Study:
Collaboration: This study is a collaborative effort involving Apple Inc., Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the American Heart Association. The involvement of these respected healthcare and research institutions lends credibility and expertise to the research.
Participants: The study involves a significant number of participants, with more than 200,000 individuals from across the United States who have given their consent to share data. These participants play a crucial role in providing the data necessary for the study’s findings.
Apple Watch Integration: One of the distinctive features of this study is its heavy reliance on data collected by Apple Watch. Participants wear Apple Watches, which monitor their physical activity, heart rate, and other relevant health metrics. This data is then used for analysis.
Focus on Heart Health: As the name suggests, the study has a primary focus on heart health. It aims to examine how physical activity, as measured by Apple Watch data, impacts heart health and overall well-being. This includes understanding the effects of different types of physical activity on heart health.
Scientific Advancements: The study is positioned as a means to advance scientific knowledge in the field of health and wellness. It contributes to understanding how technology, such as wearables like Apple Watch, can be used to gather valuable health data and generate insights.
Public Research: The Apple Heart and Movement Study is part of Apple’s efforts to support public research. It is made accessible through the Research app, which allows researchers to conduct large-scale studies and share their findings with the public.
In summary, The Apple Heart and Movement Study is a significant research initiative that leverages data from Apple Watch users to gain insights into the connection between physical activity and heart health. Its collaborative nature and emphasis on advancing scientific knowledge make it an important contribution to the understanding of how technology can be used to promote health and wellness.
