Natural bodybuilding competition preparation and recovery: a 12-month case study.

Rossow LM¹, Fukuda DH, Fahs CA, Loenneke JP, Stout JR.

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Abstract

Bodybuilding is a sport in which competitors are judged on muscular appearance. This case study tracked a drug-free male bodybuilder (age 26-27 y) for the 6 mo before and after a competition.

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to provide the most comprehensive physiological profile of bodybuilding competition preparation and recovery ever compiled.

METHODS:

Cardiovascular parameters, body composition, strength, aerobic capacity, critical power, mood state, resting energy expenditure, and hormonal and other blood parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Heart rate decreased from 53 to 27 beats/min during preparation and increased to 46 beats/min within 1 mo after competition. Brachial blood pressure dropped from 132/69 to 104/56 mmHg during preparation and returned to 116/64 mmHg at 6 mo after competition. Percent body fat declined from 14.8% to 4.5% during preparation and returned to 14.6% during recovery. Strength decreased during preparation and did not fully recover during 6 months of recovery. Testosterone declined from 9.22 to 2.27 ng/mL during preparation and returned back to the baseline level, 9.91 ng/mL, after competition. Total mood disturbance increased from 6 to 43 units during preparation and recovered to 4 units 6 mo after competition.

CONCLUSIONS:

This case study provides a thorough documentation of the physiological changes that occurred during natural bodybuilding competition and recovery.

PMID:: 23412685; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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mercoledì 25 febbraio 2015

They tried to provide the most comprehensive physiological profile of bodybuilding competition preparation and recovery ever compiled