Pickleball & Public Health

Research and education from Associate Professor Sophie Sokolow

People playing pickleball

Now Recruiting

Well-Being and Exercise Behavior Among Pickleball Players

We are currently recruiting adult pickleball players who play at least 150 minutes per week to complete two brief online surveys on well-being and exercise-related behaviors.

A woman playing pickleball wearing a white and blue jacket, black skirt, black leggings, and blue hat.

Study Details:

  • Assess psychological Well-Being using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index in adult pickleball players.
  • Assess exercise dependence specific to pickleball using a modified Exercise Dependence Scale and the Exercise Addiction Inventory in adult pickleball players.

Benefits:

  • Help advance research in the pickleball community.

Pickleball Players eligible to participate if they: 

  • Are 18 years of age or older.
  • Play pickleball for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) per week.

How to Participate:

  • Answer two brief surveys by clicking below.

Pickleball Dependence

Well-Being WHO-5

Your participation is voluntary, and all information will be confidential. For more information: contact Dr. Sophie Sokolow, UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing, via email or 310-206-3390.  

IRB#26-0586

Teaching & Education:

NURSING 88S – The Pickleball Phenomenon: Sport, Community, and Public Health

Connecting sport science, cultural insights, and personal reflections, this course examines how pickleball influences not just physical health but social connection, urban planning, business, and mental well-being. It offers an interactive and practical approach to understanding pickleball in public health. The course explores critical topics like the impact of pickleball as a recreational activity, noise politics in urban planning, and navigating age and ability differences in community sports. Students analyze how communities can better serve diverse recreational needs and are equipped with the tools to advocate for more inclusive, fun, and detailed information about pickleball, both on and off campus. 

This course was offered in Spring 2026.

Completed Studies:

Impact of the Pickleball Trainer App on Sleep, Stress, and Overall Well-Being
in Adult Players

AIM7 Home Screen

Study Details:

  • Objective: Assess the impact of AIM7 on sleep quality, stress reduction, and overall well-being.
  • Duration: 3 months.
  • Participation: Regular use of AIM7 to report well-being metrics (i.e., performing the calibration at least 4X times per week). 

Benefits:

  • Help advance research in the pickleball community.
  • Receive a free lifetime AIM7 subscription if eligible.

For more information: contact Dr. Sophie Sokolow, UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing, 310-206-3390.

IRB#24-000809