Natural Bodybuilding Competition Preparation and Recovery: A 12-Month Case Study.

[Mike Bikov]

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2013 Feb 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Natural Bodybuilding Competition Preparation and Recovery: A 12-Month Case Study.

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

Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK.

Bodybuilding is a sport in which competitors are judged on muscular appearance. This case study tracked a drug-free male (aged 26-27) bodybuilder for the six months prior to and following 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, body composition, strength, aerobic capacity, critical power, mood state, resting energy expenditure, hormonal and other blood parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Heart rate decreased from 53 to 27 bpm during preparation and increased to 46 bpm within one month following competition; brachial blood pressure dropped from 132/69 mmHg to 104/56 mmHg during preparation and returned to 116/64 mmHg at 6 months following 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 ng/mL to 2.27 ng/mL during preparation and returned back to the baseline level, 9.91 ng/mL, following competition; total mood disturbance increased from 6 to 43 units during preparation and recovered to 4 six months following competition. CONCLUSIONS: This case study provides a thorough documentation of the physiological changes that occurred during natural bodybuilding competition and recovery.​

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