Limitations remain, such as the lack of data on muscle memory, in which athletes retain muscle advantage even after transition
A landmark review of approximately 50 studies is challenging long-held assumptions regarding the athletic advantages of transgender women in sports.
Brazilian researchers analyzed data from 6,485 participants, including 2,943 transgender women and 568 cisgender women aged 14 to 41. They found that transgender women’s overall physical fitness levels are broadly similar to those of cisgender women.
The findings show that although some physical differences may remain after hormone therapy, measures such as functional strength and oxygen capacity largely converge with those of cisgender women over time.
Experts note that while the study is a significant step toward evidence-based policy, limitations remain, such as the lack of data on muscle memory, in which athletes retain muscle advantage even after transition, and the effects of transitioning during adolescence.