Background Disability negatively impacts body composition due to muscle disuse in paralyzed or amputated limbs. This study aimed to describe and compare the anthropometric profile and body composition of professional wheelchair basketball players according to their functional classification. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a non-probabilistic convenience sampling of professional wheelchair basketball teams competing in the Honor Division was performed. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to ISO 7250-1:2017 and the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) standard. Body mass, sitting height, arm span, six skinfolds, girth, breadth, and lengths were collected. SPSS version 27 was used for general descriptive analysis and by functional groups, and for inferential analysis and calculation of percentiles tables in men. Results Females presented higher fat mass values than males. Between functional categories, differences were observed in weight, sitting height, and fat-free mass, with lower values in subjects with greater impairment. The percentiles of the variables weight, sitting height, arm span, total skinfolds, and fat mass showed an upward trend according to the functional category, being higher in the higher categories. Conclusion The determination of body composition is a useful tool for addressing multidisciplinary strategies in the performance and prevention of injury of wheelchair basketball players. Key Points • Impact of functionality on body composition: The study demonstrates how functional classification in wheelchair basketball is associated with significant variations in anthropometric and body composition variables. Athletes with higher functionality exhibit greater values of fat-free mass, sitting height, and body mass compared to those with greater limitations. • Relevance of percentile tables: Specific percentile tables were developed for wheelchair basketball players based on their functional category. These tables enable the assessment and comparison of athletic performance, body composition, and the identification of future talents within this population. • Limitations of body composition equations: Anthropometric formulas (e.g., Faulkner and Siri) either underestimate or overestimate key variables in this population due to their unique characteristics. This highlights the need to develop equations tailored to athletes with physical disabilities. • Sex differences: Females show higher body fat percentages compared to males, a trend observed in populations both with and without disabilities.
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