Supplementation and Performance for Wheelchair Athletes: A Systematic Review

Bauermann et al., 2022 | Adapt Phys Activ Q | Systematic Review

Citation

Bauermann Andreia, de Sá Karina S G, ... Costa E Silva Anselmo A. Supplementation and Performance for Wheelchair Athletes: A Systematic Review. Adapt Phys Activ Q. 2022-Apr-01;39(2):268-282. doi:10.1123/apaq.2020-0241

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to identify nutritional interventions and supplements that improve the performance for wheelchair athletes. Intervention trials involving high-performance wheelchair athletes were analyzed, including those that comprised a nutritional intervention, defined as any intervention related to food, beverages, and supplementation aiming at evaluating the performance of wheelchair athletes. Of the included studies, four evaluated caffeine supplementation, of which one also evaluated sodium citrate supplementation; two studies evaluated vitamin D supplementation; one study assessed creatine monohydrate supplementation; and one assessed carbohydrate supplementation. Most studies were conducted on athletes with spinal cord injury. Athletes who consumed caffeine exhibited an improvement in performance, but this finding is not strong enough to become a recommendation.

Key Findings

Athletes who consumed caffeine exhibited an improvement in performance, but this finding is not strong enough to become a recommendation.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Athletes
Athletic Performance
Caffeine
Dietary Supplements
Humans
Para-Athletes

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: creatine

Provenance

PMID: 34758458
DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2020-0241
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09