Anaerobic performance capacity of wheelchair basketball players in Benin

Context: Wheelchair basketball, as part of Adapted Physical Sports Activities (APSA), plays a key role in improving physical fitness and promoting social inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWD). Despite its growth in Africa, few studies have examined its physiological effects, particularly in Benin. Objective: To compare the anaerobic capacity of wheelchair basketball players from the Lions Handisport Club of Cotonou with that of sedentary wheelchair users. Methods: A sample of two groups of PWD participated in two tests: a 20-meter sprint and a 30-second sprint test. Data were analyzed to assess anaerobic performance. Variables such as age, body mass index (BMI), and wheelchair characteristics were also considered. Results: No significant differences were found between groups in terms of age or BMI. However, anaerobic performance was significantly higher in wheelchair basketball players for both the 20-meter sprint (p = 0.002) and the 30-second sprint test (p = 0.001), despite the use of non-regulation sports wheelchairs. Conclusion: Regular participation in wheelchair basketball improves the anaerobic capacity of PWD. It is recommended to promote APSA among sedentary individuals and train a new generation of players to ensure the sustainability of wheelchair basketball in Benin. Future research should explore other components of physical fitness.