Abstract
Longitudinal research on training and dietary practices of natural powerlifters is limited. This study investigated the effect of phases of training on physical and physiological parameters in male natural powerlifters. Nine participants completed testing at two time points: (i) preparatory phase (~3 months prior to a major competition) and (ii) competition phase (1–2 weeks from a major competition). No significant changes between training phases were found for muscle strength and power. A trend for significance was found for decreased muscle endurance of the lower body (−24.4%, p = 0.08). A significant increase in leg lean mass was found at the competition phase (2.3%, p = 0.04), although no changes for other body composition measures were observed. No change was observed for any health marker except a trend for increased urinary creatinine clearance at the competition phase (12.5%, p = 0.08). A significant reduction in training volume for the lower body (−75.0%, p = 0.04) and a trend for a decrease in total energy intake (−17.0%, p = 0.06) was observed during the competition phase. Despite modifications in training and dietary practices, it appears that muscle performance, body composition, and health status remain relatively stable between training phases in male natural powerlifters.
Highlights
Powerlifting is a sport that consists of three lifts including the back squat, bench press, and deadlift [1]
Leg lean mass was greater during the competition phase but no other body composition changes were observed during this phase, which was in agreement with the original hypothesis
Trends were observed for increased intake of fats and carbohydrates during the competition phase, but there was no difference for protein intake between training phases
Summary
Powerlifting is a sport that consists of three lifts including the back squat, bench press, and deadlift [1]. A training periodization practice that is commonly incorporated in powerlifting preparation includes time-sensitive manipulation of resistance training volume and intensity to promote peak performance for a targeted competition [3]. The focus of the preparatory phase is on developing neuromuscular adaptations to increase the loads lifted for the squat, bench press, or deadlift and involves various resistance training methods aimed at improving muscle strength and power [2,4]. There is a paucity of longitudinal research on powerlifters investigating the effect of training and dietary practices between training phases on muscle performance and body composition
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