The study, delivered by Professor Vicky Tolfrey and Dr Thomas Rietveld of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, measured female athletes’ upper arm strength, shoulder and elbow flexion, as well as sprint performance – all of which impact classification processes.

Before the study, the combined classification points of the four players on court cannot exceed 8.0. World Wheelchair Rugby international rules then granted an additional 0.5 points for each female athlete on court.

Following Loughborough’s project, new World Wheelchair Rugby international rules still grant an additional 0.5 point for every female low-point player on-court (i.e athletes classified as 0.5-1.5), however, this will now be increased to 1.0 point for every female high-point player on-court (athletes classified as 2.0 and above).

Findings showed that female and male players differ in arm muscle strength across all classification levels. This disparity affects the ability to perform key movements in the sport such as blocking and picking.

Strength differences were more profound in high-point players (least impaired) than low-point players (most impaired). Stakeholders at WWR used the study findings as evidence to adjust female athlete team points in terms of classification. The change aims to address equity in the sport.

Dr Thomas Rietveld explained the importance of this change: “Reconsidering the current competition rule for high-point female players will help to work towards fairness in wheelchair rugby, which is essential for participation and equity.

“This progressive adjustment not only highlights the value of evidence-based decision-making in sport but also underscores the growing emphasis on inclusivity and gender equity in competitive environments.

“The buy-in and support from both players and coaches and collaborative efforts behind this research reflects the commitment of the entire wheelchair rugby community within the sport for positive change. We would also like to thank Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and UK Sport for funding the project.”

WWR President Richard Allcroft echoed the sentiment: “To ensure the effectiveness of the rule change, WWR will operate the updated rules at our three Championship events in 2025. I look forward to receiving the feedback from our members and teams as this will provide valuable insights into how the changes impact elite-level competition and how they will be received in grassroots wheelchair rugby.”

The research marks a significant achievement for the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport at Loughborough University, furthering its mission to improve participation, equity, and fairness in adaptive sports.

For more information about the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, visit: www.lboro.ac.uk/research/phc/