This systematic review aimed to evaluate the tests used to assess neuromuscular performance in adult female basketball players and to provide evidence-based recommendations for practice and future research. Following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025638889), four databases were systematically searched from inception to April 2026. A total of 62 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 39 in the quantitative analysis. The most frequently reported assessments examined anthropometry, muscular power, linear speed, change-of-direction (COD) performance, strength, anaerobic capacity, and aerobic capacity. However, substantial variability was observed in testing protocols, outcome variables, and reporting methods. Across studies, performance outcomes showed considerable overlap between competition levels, suggesting that competitive standard alone is not a reliable indicator of neuromuscular performance. Differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance were largely influenced by playing position and contextual factors. A key finding was the predominant reliance on outcome-based metrics (e.g., jump height, sprint time), with limited use of force–time variables that provide deeper insight into neuromuscular function. In addition, important methodological limitations were identified, including inconsistent testing procedures, lack of standardized reporting, and the absence of female-specific considerations such as menstrual cycle status. To address these limitations, this review proposes a practical testing framework that integrates reliable, sport-specific, and time-efficient assessment methods. Future research should prioritize the implementation of standardized protocols, the inclusion of force–time analysis, and the development of large-scale descriptive datasets specific to female basketball players. These advances are essential to improve performance monitoring, optimize training prescription, and enhance injury risk management in this population.
Nieto-Acevedo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.