Objective. To evaluate mental characteristics of patients with spinal cord injuries who were engaged in athletics (wheelchair basketball). Material and methods. We studied 34 patients with spinal cord injury, including 18 patients engaged in athletics (main group) and 16 controls. The Shulte's test was used to assess mental processes. Results and сonclusion. The stability of attention and mental processes, capacity for work were much higher in the main group compared to controls. The fatigability was reduced in the main group as well. Participating in wheelchair basketball activity improved mental characteristics of patients. The level of injury and physical limitations did not influence mental processes efficiency and mental stability.