Padel is a fast-growing doubles racket sport that originated in Mexico in 1962. Played on a 20 × 10 m enclosed court, it combines tennis-like scoring with the unique feature of glass and metal walls, allowing the ball to rebound during play. These court characteristics demand rapid lateral movements, explosive accelerations, and frequent changes of direction, making padel a physically demanding sport. To perform optimally, players require a blend of endurance, strength, power, agility, flexibility, and mental resilience.
Over the past decade, padel has expanded rapidly, with players and courts now established in more than 40 countries. Despite its popularity, scientific knowledge about padel-related injuries remains limited. There is currently no standardized injury definition from the International Padel Federation, increasing the risk of under-reporting and inconsistent diagnosis. Only a small number of studies have examined the incidence, prevalence, and nature of injuries, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of injury mechanisms and risk factors.
