1 University of Lyon, Jean Monnet University (UJM)-Saint-Etienne, Interuniversity Laboratory of Human Movement Biology (LIBM), EA 7424, F-42023, Saint-Etienne, France
2 Research Unit: Disabilities, Adapted Physical Activities and Rehabilitation (DAPAR), Laboratory of Motor Skills, Performance and Health in Athletes (LaMoP2S), National Institute of Youth, Physical Education and Sport (INJEPS) – University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01 BP 169, Porto-Novo, Benin.
3 Research Laboratory in Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports, Activities, Youth and Leisure, National Higher Institute of Popular Education and Sport (INSEPS), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(03), 1185-1193
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2025.27.3.3124
Received on 25 July 2025; revised on 14 September 2025; accepted on 17 September 2025
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.
Anaerobic Threshold; Wheelchair Sports; Basketball; Athletic Performance; Benin
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Oscar Dagbémabou Oladouni Azé, Colombe Prudence Mensah, Mountaga Diop, Marc Charbel Gnonhossou, Florentine Donhouèdé Kouglo and Barnabé Akplogan. Anaerobic performance capacity of wheelchair basketball players in Benin. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(03), 1185-1193. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.27.3.3124.
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