Fact check: What scientific studies have examined the athletic performance of trans women?

1. Summary of the results

The scientific literature examining athletic performance of trans women reveals a complex and evolving field with limited but growing research. Several key studies have been conducted:

• Cross-sectional performance studies have directly measured athletic capabilities, with one study finding that transgender women athletes demonstrated lower performance than cisgender women in metrics including forced expiratory volume, jump height, and relative VO2 max, while showing higher absolute handgrip strength ^[1].
• Comprehensive reviews have examined the broader physiological differences, noting significant variations in physiological parameters and emphasizing the need for more longitudinal research to understand performance changes over time ^[2].
• Critical analyses have argued that transgender women retain physiological advantages from male development, including brain structure, skeletal architecture, and muscle memory, suggesting current International Olympic Committee guidelines may be insufficient to neutralize these advantages ^[3].
• Systematic literature reviews have found that most existing research is qualitative and focused on experiences rather than performance metrics, indicating a significant gap in quantitative athletic performance data ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual factors that emerge from the research:

• Timing of gender-affirming treatment matters significantly - research suggests there is no reason to expect athletic advantage for trans people prior to puberty or when treatment begins at puberty onset ^[5].
• Sport-specific considerations are largely absent from current research, with reviews noting they were "not sport specific" in their scope ^[6].
• Testosterone suppression effectiveness varies, with some literature suggesting that treatment to lower testosterone "may be sufficient to erase athletic advantage in at least some athletic activities" ^[5].
• Policy organizations and sports governing bodies would benefit from clearer scientific guidance, as current research indicates existing guidelines may need revision ^[3].
• LGBTQ+ advocacy groups benefit from research showing inclusivity is possible, while women's sports organizations benefit from research highlighting potential competitive advantages, creating competing interests in how studies are interpreted and funded.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself appears neutral and appropriately framed as a request for scientific information rather than making claims. However, the framing could potentially lead to incomplete understanding because:

• It doesn't specify elite vs. recreational athletics, which research shows may have different implications for competitive fairness ^[6].
• The question doesn't acknowledge the limited scope of current research, which systematic reviews have identified as predominantly qualitative rather than performance-focused ^[4].
• It doesn't distinguish between different stages of transition or timing of gender-affirming treatment, which research indicates significantly affects athletic performance outcomes ^[5].

The question appropriately seeks scientific evidence rather than making unsupported claims, though a more comprehensive inquiry would acknowledge the research limitations and specify the athletic contexts of interest.