Incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries in padel: a systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveIt is unclear what the incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries are that can occur during playing padel. This study aimed to systematically review the incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries in padel.MethodA literature search was performed up to December 2022 through MEDLINE Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane Library, SportsDiscus and CINAHL. Following database search, article retrieval and title and abstract screening, articles were assessed for eligibility against predefined criteria. Studies were assessed for methodological quality. Data on injuries’ prevalence, incidence and nature of injuries were extracted, analysed and described in a descriptive statistical manner which did not include a pooling strategy as part of a formal meta-analysis.ResultsEight studies with 2022 participants were included (range of mean age: 31–57). The incidence rate was 3 injuries per 1000 hours of padel training and 8 injuries per 1000 matches of padel practice. The overall prevalence range was 40%–95%. The elbow was the most common anatomical site of injury, followed by the knee, shoulder and lower back. Tendinous and muscular injuries were the most reported injury types.ConclusionInjuries are common among padel players, with an incidence rate of 3 per 1000 hours of padel training and 8 per 1000 matches of padel practice—as based on limited literature. The overall prevalence range was 40%–95%. The elbow was the most frequently reported anatomical region concerning location injury distribution, and injuries were mainly of tendinous or muscular origin.

Musculoskeletal disorders in padel: from biomechanics to sonography

“…Lateral elbow tendinopathy, also known as lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, typically involves the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon due to microtrauma from repetitive backhand strokes, particularly with the one-handed technique [ 2 ]. Of note, expert and novice players use different techniques to perform backhand strokes.…”

“…Musculoskeletal injuries are very common among padel players with an incidence rate of 3 per 1000 h of training and 8 per 1000 matches [ 2 ]. A systematic review published by Dahmen et al in 2023 involving 8 studies with 2022 participants defined an overall prevalence range of injuries in padel of 40%-90%, with the elbow identified as the most frequent anatomical site [ 2 ].…”

“…Musculoskeletal injuries are very common among padel players with an incidence rate of 3 per 1000 h of training and 8 per 1000 matches [ 2 ]. A systematic review published by Dahmen et al in 2023 involving 8 studies with 2022 participants defined an overall prevalence range of injuries in padel of 40%-90%, with the elbow identified as the most frequent anatomical site [ 2 ]. In the same year, Tagliafico et al, confirmed the lateral elbow tendinopathy as the most frequent pathological condition affecting the upper limb in padel players through a survey involving 800 subjects [ 3 ].…”