HEALTH & FITNESS
A BALANCING
ACT
BY BARBARA WINTROUB
A
s a sport with a higher percentage of seniors than
most, pickleball can result in player injuries that
require more than just getting up and dusting off. Falls
requiring medical attention are the leading cause of injuries
in adults over 65, so understanding why we fall can help us
be better prepared in case we find ourselves down and out.
WHY WE FALL
Falls often occur because the player is not moving and
exercising regularly. When we become sedentary, our level
of fitness declines and we have difficulty sprinting for a ball
that has been lobbed over our heads, for example.
Also, many seniors take medication, and medications
can have side effects like lightheadedness or dizziness.
While you may not be conscious of the effects when you
are sitting reading a book, they may affect your ability
(and stability) on a pickleball court. It is a good idea to
always check with your doctor or pharmacist about the
medications you are taking.
60
Falls also occur because of faulty posture. In [Photo
#1] below you see the posture of many senior players. My
shoulders are rounded forward, and my head is forward.
The 10-pound bowling ball we call a head is pulling my
weight forward. If I sprint
forward in this position,
it may be difficult to stop,
causing me to fall forward.
It also makes it more
difficult for me to change
direction, for example
moving back to recover an
overhead.
[Photo #2] demonstrates
good posture, i.e. a neutral
postural alignment. This
position allows my front
and back muscles to work
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Photo #1
Photo #2