Background and Purpose
As individuals age, they encounter various physical and psychological challenges that can significantly affect their overall well-being. Among the most prevalent issues in older adults especially elderly women are reductions in functional balance and declines in social capital. Functional balance is essential for maintaining stability during movement and preventing falls, which are a major cause of injury and loss of independence in aging populations. Likewise, social capital, which includes social networks, emotional support, interpersonal trust, and community involvement, plays an important role in promoting mental health and enhancing quality of life. Diminished social capital can lead to increased loneliness, depressive symptoms, and reduced engagement in community activities.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of an eight-week structured pickleball intervention on functional balance and social capital in elderly women. Pickleball, a recreational sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is increasingly recognized as an accessible activity for older adults due to its low-impact nature, simple rules, and strong emphasis on social interaction. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether regular participation in pickleball sessions could lead to measurable improvements in physical balance and social engagement among elderly women aged 60 to 75 years.
A randomized, single-blind trial involving 36 women was conducted. Participants were divided into an intervention group, which took part in supervised pickleball training three times per week for eight weeks, and a control group, which continued their normal daily routines. Functional balance was evaluated using the Mini-BESTest, a validated tool for assessing balance in older adults. Social capital was measured using the Persian version of the Onyx and Bullen questionnaire. It was hypothesized that the intervention group would demonstrate significant improvements in both outcomes after the eight-week training period.
 
Methods
This research employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. Participants were recruited from health centers and community organizations in Kerman, Iran. Eligibility criteria included being between 60 and 75 years old, having independent mobility, maintaining general good health, and having no history of major neurological disorders, severe balance impairments, or musculoskeletal problems. Individuals who had participated in organized physical activity programs within the previous three months were excluded.
Forty women initially enrolled in the study, but 36 completed the intervention. Random assignment to the intervention or control group was performed using block randomization (block size = 8) via Random.org to ensure balanced demographic characteristics. The intervention group participated in supervised pickleball sessions, whereas the control group continued regular low-intensity activities such as walking or household routines.
The pickleball intervention lasted eight weeks, with three sessions per week. Each session was 60 minutes long and followed a structured format consisting of a 10-minute warm-up, a 40-minute main activity phase, and a 10-minute cool-down. The warm-up included dynamic stretching, light aerobic movements, and simple balance exercises. The main activity phase involved group-based pickleball games designed to promote movement, coordination, rapid direction changes, and social interaction. The cool-down focused on gentle stretching and relaxation exercises.
Functional balance was assessed using the Mini-BESTest, which measures stability in response to various challenges such as directional changes, gait modifications, and reactive balance tasks. Social capital was assessed using the Onyx and Bullen questionnaire, which evaluates social networks, trust, participation in community activities, and sense of belonging. Measurements were taken at baseline and after the eight-week intervention.
Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Paired t-tests were used to compare pretest and posttest scores within each group, while independent t-tests were used to compare outcomes between groups. ANCOVA was performed to control for baseline differences. Ethical protocols, including voluntary participation, informed consent, and confidentiality of data, were strictly followed. Ethical approval was obtained from the Sports Sciences Research Institute (SSRI.REC-2306-2301).
 
Results
A total of 36 participants completed the study, with 18 women in each group. Baseline comparisons demonstrated no significant differences between the groups in age, height, or body mass, confirming that the groups were statistically homogeneous before the intervention.
After the eight-week program, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in functional balance compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Mini-BESTest scores increased notably among those who participated in pickleball training, while the control group exhibited minimal or no improvement. The effect size was large (partial η² = 0.62), indicating that pickleball had a strong and meaningful influence on balance enhancement. The improvement is likely related to the sport’s emphasis on quick directional changes, controlled lateral movements, and reactive stability all of which stimulate neuromuscular coordination and strengthen postural control mechanisms.
Similar results were observed for social capital. The intervention group demonstrated significant increases in social capital scores compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The effect size was moderate (partial η² = 0.42), suggesting that the pickleball program effectively enhanced social engagement, interpersonal relationships, and community involvement. Participants in the intervention group reported feeling more connected to others, receiving greater emotional support, and experiencing a stronger sense of belonging. These findings highlight the social benefits of group based physical activity, particularly for older women who may be more vulnerable to social withdrawal.
Overall, the results indicate that pickleball provides a multifaceted benefit: it improves physical functioning related to balance while simultaneously strengthening social bonding and reducing feelings of isolation. Because the training is conducted in a supportive, interactive environment, participants can engage both physically and socially.
 
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that an eight week structured pickle ball intervention can significantly improve both functional balance and social capital in elderly women. The physical component of the sport requiring coordinated movement, postural adjustments, and reactive balance contributes to strengthening lower limb muscles and improving neuromuscular control. Meanwhile, the social nature of pickleball fosters companionship, emotional support, and increased participation in group activities, all of which are essential for psychological well-being in aging populations.
These findings highlight pickleball as an effective and enjoyable activity that can help maintain physical independence and enhance social engagement among elderly women. Considering global demographic trends and the growing need for accessible community-based health programs, pickleball could be integrated into public health strategies aimed at improving quality of life in older adults. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term sustainability of these benefits and to examine how pickleball may influence additional health outcomes such as cognitive function, mood, and fall risk.
Article Message
This study indicates that pickleball, combining physical activity and social interactions, improves functional balance and enhances social capital in elderly women. It can be a practical strategy in health promotion programs.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical principles were maintained throughout the research, including confidentiality, autonomy, physical safety, and informed consent. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Sports Sciences Research Institute (SSRI.REC-2306-2301).
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Shima Sheikhbahaei
Data Collection: Shima Sheikhbahaei
Data Analysis: Shima Sheikhbahaei, Saeid Bahiraei
Manuscript Writing: Shima Sheikhbahaei
Review and Editing: Mansour Sahebozamani
Responsible for funding: Shima Sheikhbahaei
Literature Review: Shima Sheikhbahaei
Project Manager: Mansour sahebozamani
Conflict of Interest
According to the authors, this article has no conflicts of interest..
Acknowledgments
The researchers sincerely appreciate all the participants, instructors, and managers who collaborated in the implementation of this research program.