A quick glance as you drive by a park and the game in progress may look a lot like tennis. There’s a net strung across the middle of the court. A racket-like paddle is swung to hit a small ball. However, pickleball is a hybrid of many racquet sports, including tennis, badminton, and ping pong. This sport, created in 1965 and currently skyrocketing in popularity, has drawn players, buzz, and the attention of health professionals. All ages and genders have found equal standing in pickleball, with light, easy-to-swing paddles, airy whiffle balls, and rules that allow for easy play across skill and strength levels.
The average age of pickleball players is 34.8 years, considerably younger than previously assumed!
Pickleball is exploding in popularity. According to the Association of Pickleball Players, about 8.5 million Americans played pickleball at least 8 times in 2022, and a staggering 36.5 million played it at least once. That’s about 30 million more than the number of pickleball players in 2020. An article in the July 18 edition of The New Yorker magazine called it “America’s fastest growing sport” and it’s not the first publication to make the claim.
Despite the goofy name and quirks, such as dink, falafel, and kitchen, advocates say pickleball offers the health benefits of other physical activity for older populations that find many sports out of reach ― sports like tennis. Studies point to possible cognitive gains, increased agility, and decreased daily pain to be gained from pickleball. And Mike Zehner, a clinical exercise physiologist at Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, says a game like pickleball can make all the difference in a person’s cardiovascular and mental well-being.
Pickle power
Cardiovascular activity like pickleball “works to help dilate your blood vessels, and this effect can last up to two hours after exercise has ended,” Zehner said. “So People are fast joining this sport’s growing participants, not simply because of the health benefits, which can be found in many other aerobic exercises, but for other reasons, too. Pickleball is easy to learn, easy to play, comes with low risk of injury, and is an enjoyable way to make new friends. It’s popular across age demographics. A small court and strict rules for serves and volleys keep the game accessible to a wide audience. The light racquet and ball also make it less of an injury risk. It’s also nuanced enough to attract athletes from all ability levels. Many know that exercise is important, but pickleball makes exercise enjoyable and attainable.
One study, coauthored by Paige Wray, Director of the Department of Home and Community at Utah State University Extension, prompted by pickleball’s accessibility, shows positive health outcomes and great potential health benefits of pickleball in rural communities, a demographic that often lacks resources and consistency for exercise. Participants in this study could jump better, experienced less pain, and noticed better brain function following just six weeks of playing pickleball.
How do you play?
You play it much like tennis. Often the game is played as doubles, but singles can play too. You smack the ball across the net to your opponents’ side. If you successfully hit the ball over the net and it bounces inside the boundaries without the other team hitting it back, you get a point. On either side of the net, a rectangle of court, called the kitchen, marks an area that players may only enter to chase a ball. After hitting the ball, they must leave the kitchen immediately. This simple rule evens the playing field dramatically, discouraging spikes and lessening the amount of movement needed to successfully play the game.
You use a lighter, smaller racquet than tennis; it almost looks like a cross between a tennis racquet and a ping pong paddle. The plastic ball is lighter, too, and full of holes. Also, a pickleball court is much smaller than a tennis court. A regulation tennis court is 78 feet long by 36 feet wide, whereas a pickleball court is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide.
Therein lies its universal appeal. It’s a blast to play, you don’t have a heavy racquet to swing, and there’s less ground to cover chasing the ball.
Is it right for me?
Despite its universality, as with any sport, un-jar your inner pickleballer with caution.
“It is really all based on their medical history and also their present activity level,” Zehner said. “If someone hasn’t been exercising it is always good to speak with their family doctor first and ask their opinion. They also need to look at their activity and if they would be able to perform that task.”
Does it help your brain?
It’s gentler than some sports, but it’s still fast. A 2021 study by the National Institutes of Health showed evidence of improved cognitive performance among people who played pickleball for six weeks.
Even without the fast-moving plastic ball, the running, jumping, and lunging helps brain function, Zehner said. “Cardiovascular exercise is extremely important in brain activity and brain health,” he said.
The social nature of pickleball also helps, he added.
A 2023 study from the National Institute of Health experimented with the idea of pickleball leading to improved mental health. The study noted the inclusive nature of the sport. Nearly anyone can play it, enjoy it, and do well with it. Playing pickleball has shown an improved mental state and outlook on life. Going for a walk on your own may have similar health benefits, but playing pickleball with a group has the added benefit of social interaction.
“Not only does it increase blood flow to the brain giving it more oxygen and nutrients,” Zehner said, “but these individuals are more likely to be around others that will increase their quality of life and mental well-being.”
Research shows that friendships and having social interactions may be as important to your health as exercising. Strong, consistent social interactions can help reduce inflammation, control hypertension, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, and lengthen life expectancy. According to a 2018 study published by the National Institutes of health, adults with strong social networks are 50% more likely to live longer than their peers who are more socially isolated.
Pickleball helps address two major concerns for older adults: diminishing social circles and more limited options for exercise.
Pickleball keeps growing in popularity. Courts are popping up around the country. Equipment retailers are seeing continued booming sales. This simple, enjoyable, easy-to-learn sport attracts players from all demographics. It’s good exercise, social in nature, and play it once, and you are likely to want to play again.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8391496/
https://www.thepickleballdinks.com/post/pickleball-statistics#total-number-of-pickleball-players
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9988900/
https://www.psu.edu/news/hershey/story/medical-minute-pickleballs-popularity-surges-health-benefits-abound/
https://alternativemedicine.com/fitness/exercise/the-benefits-of-exercise/
https://alternativemedicine.com/lifestyle-2/friends-affect-health/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6179015/
https://www.theapp.global/news/app-reveals-36-5-million-adult-americans-played-pickleball-in-2022
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/05/pickleball-popularity-explodes-with-more-than-36-million-playing.html
The post Pickleball: Exercise and Fun For All Ages appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach for addressing your overall health, well-being, and treatment of diseases. It can include conventional medical treatments, as well as complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or yoga, meditation, massage therapy and herbal medicine.
What’s the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered standard by mainstream medical practitioners but which has been shown to have benefits for some conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary Medicines are treatments that add to the treatment of conventional medicine. They may also be used in combination with it. These include supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.
There is not consensus among health professionals regarding the best approach for integrating CAM in patient care.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.
Many studies show that acupuncture may help relieve pain. It may also reduce nausea and vomiting that are associated with chemotherapy, according to preliminary data. A number of studies also suggest that acupuncture might improve symptoms like irritable and fibromyalgia as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, migraines tension headaches, anxiety, and anxiety.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Although we have limited information about the effectiveness CAM, most experts agree that it can be helpful in the treatment of various diseases.
People are turning to CAM practitioners more often for relief from common diseases.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
What is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to treating patients. They might combine western medicine and traditional methods, such as acupuncture and herbs.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. The patient should feel better after treatment.
Doctors must not only treat the illness but also look out for ways to prevent it from returning.
The term “holistic” refers to considering all aspects of one’s life.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
webmd.com
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. However, studies show these treatments can help to relieve chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other ailments.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- We lack scientific evidence. Only a few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the benefits of holistic therapies. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines can be cheaper than traditional ones, particularly if the patient follows a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine treats the whole person. It is not about treating their symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. When any of these three parts are out of balance, illness occurs. For example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. It causes fatigue, weakness, and even sickness.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they know what is happening inside the human body and how to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: jbenson@innovisionhm.com
Title: Pickleball: Exercise and Fun For All Ages
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/fitness/pickleball-exercise-and-fun-for-all-ages/
Published Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2023 15:21:11 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach for addressing your overall health, well-being, and treatment of diseases. It can include conventional medical treatments, as well as complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or yoga, meditation, massage therapy and herbal medicine.
What’s the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered standard by mainstream medical practitioners but which has been shown to have benefits for some conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary Medicines are treatments that add to the treatment of conventional medicine. They may also be used in combination with it. These include supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.
There is not consensus among health professionals regarding the best approach for integrating CAM in patient care.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.
Many studies show that acupuncture may help relieve pain. It may also reduce nausea and vomiting that are associated with chemotherapy, according to preliminary data. A number of studies also suggest that acupuncture might improve symptoms like irritable and fibromyalgia as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, migraines tension headaches, anxiety, and anxiety.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Although we have limited information about the effectiveness CAM, most experts agree that it can be helpful in the treatment of various diseases.
People are turning to CAM practitioners more often for relief from common diseases.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
What is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to treating patients. They might combine western medicine and traditional methods, such as acupuncture and herbs.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. The patient should feel better after treatment.
Doctors must not only treat the illness but also look out for ways to prevent it from returning.
The term “holistic” refers to considering all aspects of one’s life.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
webmd.com
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. However, studies show these treatments can help to relieve chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other ailments.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- We lack scientific evidence. Only a few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the benefits of holistic therapies. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines can be cheaper than traditional ones, particularly if the patient follows a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine treats the whole person. It is not about treating their symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. When any of these three parts are out of balance, illness occurs. For example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. It causes fatigue, weakness, and even sickness.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they know what is happening inside the human body and how to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
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