Comparison of physical performance tests between male and female spanish national wheelchair basketball players

Introduction Research on physical performance in female wheelchair basketball (WB) players is scarce, and evidence comparing male and female elite players remains limited. The aim of this study was to compare physical performance test between male and female Spanish national WB team players competing at the European Championship medal level. Materials and methods A total of 22 players from the Spanish national WB team participated in the study (male [n = 12]; female [n = 10]). During preparation for the 2025 European Championship, players completed a physical performance test including a rotator cuff test, Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion (IMPRP), sprint tests (5 m and 12 m), and the Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) test. Results Significant differences between male and female players were observed in maximal force and 1-s average maximal force during the rotator cuff test (p < 0.01; effect size [ES] >0.8), IMPRP test (p < 0.01; ES >0.8), 5 m and 12 m sprint test (p 〈0.01; ES 〉 0.8), and the RSA test (p < 0.01; ES >0.8), with high performance observed in male players. Conclusions Male WB players showed higher performance in selected physical performance test. This study provides reference performance data from European Championship medal-winning national-team WB players.