Female Bodybuilders Research Articles

Relationship Between Resiliency, Personality Traits, Athletic Identity, and Dynamic Balance and Functional Performance with the Occurrence of Sports Injuries in Female Bodybuilders

Background: Bodybuilding is a widely embraced physical activity pursued for health enhancement and fitness improvement. However, reports indicate a notable prevalence of sports injuries among bodybuilders. Objectives: This study aims to explore the correlation between resiliency, personality traits, athletic identity, dynamic balance of upper and lower limbs, and functional performance with the occurrence of sports injuries in female bodybuilders, addressing a gap in previous research on this specific population. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Tehran from 2022 to 2023. Standardized questionnaires assessing personality traits, resiliency, athletic identity, and sports injuries, along with functional screening tests and the Y balance test for upper and lower limbs, were administered to 110 female bodybuilders (average age 36.8 ± 1.8). Results: The findings revealed that sports injuries are prevalent among female bodybuilders, with an average prevalence rate of 40.1%. The most commonly affected areas were the lower back (19.1%), knee (17.6%), and shoulder (14.7%). In terms of personality traits and resiliency, female bodybuilders with a history of injury exhibited higher mean scores in neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, and athletic identity compared to those without a history of injury (P < 0.05), while responsibility and resilience scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Moreover, the average scores of the lower limb Y balance test and FMS for female bodybuilders with a history of injury were significantly lower than those without a history of injury (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that athletic trainers and physiotherapists should consider these psychological and functional factors to help prevent sports injuries among female bodybuilders.

The Effect of a Single About of Resistance Exercise with Two Intensities and Different Recovery on Pro-Inflammatory Factor TNF-Α, HSP-70, And Anti-Inflammatory Factor BDNF In Female Bodybuilders

Background and purpose: resistance exercises with high loads of HLRT can cause physiological changes, including in the immune system. The purpose and credibility of qualitative research investigated the effect of a resistance activity session with two different intensities and recovery on the expression of TNF-α, HSP-70, and BDNF genes in female bodybuilders.Methods: In this Quasi-experimental study, twelve healthy female bodybuilders (age 30±5) volunteered to participate in the research. The samples performed one weekly strength training protocol session designed at two intensities of one maximum repetition in two different recovery times of one and two minutes. 36 hours after the end of the training, sampling was done after ten hours of fasting, and the samples were centrifuged and stored at minus 20℃. At the end of the four stages, the levels of TNF-α, HSP-70, and BDNF were checked in the medical laboratory. A consent form was obtained from all the participants. SPSS version 27 software was used for data analysis at a significance level of α ≤ 0.05.Findings: The results showed that HLRT resistance training compared to moderate intensity resistance training, by increasing the training intensity to 85% of a maximum repetition and recovery time of one and two minutes, significantly reduced TNF-α level (with p<0.001and a significant increase in the serum levels of BDNF and HSP-70 (with p<0.0001).Conclusion: It seems that increasing the intensity of HLRT resistance training has no negative effect on the immune system, and probably with the decrease of the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α and HSP-70, the anti-inflammatory factor BDNF also increased reduces the incidence of inflammation in female bodybuilders.

THU576 Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Abuse In Cis-gender Female Bodybuilder

Abstract Disclosure: E.M. Niedzialkowska: None. D. Shelden: None. Introduction: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used in bodybuilders to increase muscle mass. Abuse has surged as they are regarded as potent image enhancement drugs. There are a variety of illegal AAS available. Their true content is often unknown and dosing regimens frequently include concurrent use of multiple hormonally active agents. Use among female body builders is rarely reported. Having significantly lower levels of natural testosterone, females may be more susceptible to side effects and toxicity associated with AAS abuse. Clinical case: 36 year old cis-gender female presented to the Endocrinology clinic for evaluation of fatigue. The patient worked as a personal trainer at a gym and began participating in bodybuilding competitions. A year prior to the visit the patient was started on a steroid regimen by a friend at the gym. The patient’s regimen included testosterone cypionate (250mg-350mg a week) and trenbolone acetate. Anastozole was added to limit conversion to estrogen but was not administered on a regular basis. The patient reported no gender dysphoria. She has not had a menstrual period since she started the AAS. The patient was also diagnosed with acute kidney injury at the time of AAS initiation and further work up showed negative ANA, C3, C4, normal UA and protein/creatinine ratio. Her kidney injury was deemed to be related to NSAID and testosterone use. At the time of the visit laboratory results were significant for testosterone of >1500 ng/dl (N 240-1080), IGF-1 359 ng/ml (N 63-223), LH <0.1 mUI/ml (N>0.6), FSH <0.5 mUI/ml (N>1.4), estradiol 47 pg/ml (N 21-251), prolactin 10.8 ng/ml (N 3-30), hemoglobin 17.4 g/dl (N 12-15.1), platelets 416 bil/L (150-400), TSH 0.75 uIU/ml (N 0.4-4.5), creatinine 1.33 mg/dl (N 0.5-1.1), eGFR 53 ml/min/1.73m2. The patient's testosterone regimen was gradually decreased to 100 mg weekly with plans to further decrease the dose and with close follow up and monitoring of gonadotropins. Treatment to stimulate endogenous estrogen production may be necessary despite her current value being within normal limits as this may be a function of peripheral conversion of exogenous testosterone. Conclusion: AAS abuse is infrequent among cis-gender females. Its use in female bodybuilders increases muscle strength and athletic performance. Exogenous administration of synthetic testosterone results in negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, inhibiting GnRH, leading to inhibition of FSH and LH production leading to amenorrhea in females. AAS has also been associated with kidney injury with reports from animal studies suggesting testosterone induced podocyte damage and apoptosis. The steroid regimens used by bodybuilders differ and include multiple hormonally active agents. Its abuse among cis-gender women is uncommon and further research is needed to evaluate its toxicity among this group. Presentation Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Effectiveness of Functional Training on Respiratory Function and Functional Movements Among Female Bodybuilders

Effectiveness of Functional Training on Respiratory Function and Functional Movements Among Female Bodybuilders

A Narrative Study on the Role Conflict of Elite Female Bodybuilders

A Narrative Study on the Role Conflict of Elite Female Bodybuilders

Bioimpedance Patterns and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) of Body Builders

Bodybuilders are athletes characterized by high muscle mass. During competitions, the evaluation is performed based on aesthetic parameters. The study aims to provide normative references of body composition with the vector bioimpedance methodology (BIVA). A second aim is to compare BIVA assessments performed on both sides and the upper and lower body. A group of 68 elite bodybuilders (41 males aged 30.1 ± 9.2 years and 27 females aged 32.1 ± 8.0 years) was enrolled. A BIVA assessment was performed the day before the 2021 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Italian Championships. As a result, male and female bodybuilders ranked to the left in the BIVA ellipse relative to the general population. Furthermore, unlike females, males also ranked lower than the general athletic population. In addition, in the symmetry assessment, males show a significantly greater upper body than the lower, right, and left parts, while in women, this is observed for the lower part of the body. The differences in the results obtained between males and females can be attributed to the different patterns of endocrine production between the sexes and the different criteria used by the juries to attribute the final score during the competitions. Therefore, BIVA references in bodybuilders could help adjust the training and nutritional program during the peak week before a competition.

Going Vegan for the Gain: A Cross-Sectional Study of Vegan Diets in Bodybuilders during Different Preparation Phases

Numerous athletes compete at a high level without consuming animal products; although a well-planned vegan diet might be appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, a few elements need to be addressed to build a balanced plant-based diet for an athlete, particularly in bodybuilding, in which muscle growth should be maximised, as athletes are judged on their aesthetics. In this observational study, nutritional intakes were compared in a cohort of natural omnivorous and vegan bodybuilders, during two different phases of preparation. To this end, 18 male and female bodybuilders (8 vegans and 10 omnivores) completed a food diary for 5 days during the bulking and cutting phases of their preparation. A mixed-model analysis was used to compare macro- and micronutrient intakes between the groups in the two phases. Both vegans and omnivores behaved similarly regarding energy, carbohydrate, and fat intakes, but vegans decreased their protein intake during the cutting phase. Our results suggest that vegan bodybuilders may find difficulties in reaching protein needs while undergoing a caloric deficit, and they might benefit from nutritional professionals' assistance to bridge the gap between the assumed proteins and those needed to maintain muscle mass through better nutrition and supplementation planning.

Investigating a Variant in the ACE Gene in Ahvaz Male and Female Athletes Compared to the Control Group with Normal Body Mass

Background: The ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) gene is located on chromosome 17 and encodes a metallopeptidase dependent on zinc (Zn) and is widely found on the surface of endothelial and epithelial cells. Objectives: This study compares the relationship between ACE enzyme activity and I/D genotype in male and female bodybuilders and normal aerobic male and female athletes. Methods: For this purpose, the blood of 200 people, who were divided into two groups of athletes with body mass and normal people, was collected and extracted, and the genotype distribution and allele frequency in both groups were checked by the PCR method. The data obtained from examining the D/I variant in the ACE gene in Ahvaz male and female athletes compared to the control group with normal body mass was evaluated using the chi-square test and GraphPad Prism 6 software. Results: Findings of the study showed that 28% of athletes had the D/D genotype, 24% had the I/D genotype, and 48% had the I/I genotype. The normal allele frequency distribution in the athlete population was 40% D allele and 60% I allele. Normal people had 42% D/D genotype, 29% I/D genotype, and 29% I/I genotype. Normal distribution in the control group was 57% D allele and 43% I allele. Conclusions: Findings of the study showed a higher chance of strength and sports ability in people with the I/I genotype. It seems that the activity of ACE among this genotype indicated an increase in activity in the I/I group compared to all the samples selected in the athlete group. The I/D genotype is associated with an increase in physical strength and also increases the activity of ACE, and there is a significant relationship between the activity of ACE compared to athletes and the control group.

The Role of Steroid Supplementation in Predicting the Psychological Injuries Profile in Female Bodybuilders in Isfahan

The Role of Steroid Supplementation in Predicting the Psychological Injuries Profile in Female Bodybuilders in Isfahan

The Effect of Core Fatigue on Lower Extremity Kinematic Variables During Squats in Female Body Builders

Purpose: Muscle fatigue of the neuromuscular core can change the lower extremity kinematics and increase the risk of lower extremity injuries during squat movement. However, it is unclear how core muscle fatigue can change lower extremity kinematics. Methods: Sixteen female bodybuilders were included in this one-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study. Subjects performed double leg squats twice before and immediately after the core muscles fatigue protocol. Kinematic variables of lower extremity motion in sagittal and frontal planes were recorded using two 21 megapixels digital video cameras with a sampling frequency of 50 Hz. The obtained data were analyzed for kinematics variables by Quinoa Motion Analysis Software. Paired sample t-test was used to compare kinematic variables before and after the fatigue protocol. Results: The results of this study showed that core muscles fatigue can lead to significantly decreased knee flexion (P=0.001) and increased knee valgus angels during double leg squats movement, but no difference was observed in hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion before and after the fatigue protocol (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that core muscle fatigue can negatively affect the alignment of the lower extremity and increase the risk of injury in female bodybuilders.

No association between psychiatric symptoms and doses of anabolic steroids in a cohort of male and female bodybuilders.

The use of androgenic‐anabolic steroids (AAS) can be associated with psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and increased aggressiveness. Although dose‐dependent effects have been observed in some controlled studies, this association is not always seen in the ecological use of AAS. This study utilized WADA's steroid profile of suspicious use of AAS, urinary detection of AAS metabolites and measurement of sexual hormones to confirm recent use of AAS in a cohort of 103 bodybuilders (75 males, 28 females). The majority of participants (61.2%) presented symptoms of agitation, insomnia, increased aggressiveness or depression in the last 3 months. About one‐third of participants presented scores on the HAM‐A anxiety scale equivalent to moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety. A minority of participants (12.6%) presented high to moderate scores on the BPQ aggressiveness scale. The majority of participants (73.8%) presented hyperthymic temperament in the BRIEF‐TEMPS scale. There was no significant difference in the presence of psychiatric symptoms between males and females and no association between psychiatric symptoms and estimated weekly doses of AAS. A negative association was observed between scores on the BPQ scale (verbal aggression, anger and total score) and the time of AAS use. We discuss differences of AAS use between male and female bodybuilders and the screening of AAS use in the general population. Our findings highlight the importance of mental health awareness among people using AAS.

“I’m a Million Times More Confident Now”: Body Dissatisfaction, Body Projects, and Self-Concept Repair

This research examines how feelings of body dissatisfaction arise, are experienced, and are managed over time. Analyzing female bodybuilders’ life histories, I find that negative reflected appraisals and social comparisons problematized aspects of each woman’s body during adolescence, generating body dissatisfaction and self-concept damage. Each responded by engaging in long-term body projects. These projects assuaged negative emotions and bolstered feelings of self-efficacy. By showing how body dissatisfaction develops, is managed, and shapes the unfolding of lives, this article contributes to our understanding of how the body is implicated in emotion work and how context limits possibilities for repairing damaged self-conceptions.

Anthropometrical changes of highly-skilled female bodybuilders during basic mesocycle of annual preparation

article: Anthropometrical changes of highly-skilled female bodybuilders during basic mesocycle of annual preparation - Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2021 September;180(9):429-34 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Serum IGF-I concentrations are low in female bodybuilders in the pre-contest phase

Bodybuilding involves athletes performing a series of poses/postures on the stage so that they can be classified according to their best esthetic and physical appearance during the competition. In the weeks prior to the target competition, the athletes subject themselves to restrictive diets and different physical training methods, as well as using dietary supplementation and, in some cases, anabolic steroids, to reduce body fat to low levels and maintain or increase muscle mass. On the other hand, it is known that physical training is a potent stimulator for releasing the components of the GH/IGF-I axis that are directly linked to the anabolic process. Based on these assumptions, this study aimed to verify the kinetics of IGF-I and of its binding protein IGFBP-3 in female bodybuilders. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were recorded before and after standardized training sessions at two different times: in the initial phase (phase 1) and in the final phase of the pre-contest (phase 2) of a 12-week training season. It was possible to conclude that there was a significant reduction in serum IGF-I values at the end of the pre-contest phase that preceded the athletes' participation in a competition. With relation to the serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 values measured before and after the standardized training session, it was only possible to verify significant changes in the IGF-I values in the initial phase of the pre-contest. It seems reasonable to suggest that the caloric restriction used by bodybuilders may be related to the decrease in IGF-I values verified at the end of the pre-contest phase.

High plasma soluble levels of the immune checkpoint HLA-G molecule among bodybuilders.

IntroductionStudies report that intense physical activity influences the down-regulation of immune function in athletes as well as the interaction between adipose tissue and the immune system.AimThis study aimed to compare the plasma soluble levels of the immune checkpoint HLA-G (sHLA-G) molecule with the fat mass and muscle mass index among 77 bodybuilders and 64 controls.ResultsThe comparisons of the percentage of body fat (%BF) revealed that the groups of male and female bodybuilders showed a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of body fat when compared to their control group, (P <0.0001, for both comparisons). Regarding sHLA-G levels, the comparisons showed that the group of male bodybuilders had significantly higher sHLA-G levels compared to the group of female bodybuilders (P = 0.0011).ConclusionOur results showed that in bodybuilders with less body fat, the systemic levels of soluble HLA-G, an immunological molecule with recognized immunosuppressive function, are significantly higher and suggest that this immune mechanism may corroborate the immunosuppressive state in athletes undergoing intense and prolonged physical training.

Moving beyond the image: Theorising ‘extreme’ female bodies

Since their entry onto the competitive scene in 1977, female bodybuilders have been the subject of sustained debate among scholars from a range of disciplines. Within this body of literature, discourses are polarised and offer two opposing representations of the female bodybuilder; one of resistance and one of compliance. This bifurcation of discourse, we argue, is symptomatic of a more general occularcentric tradition within theorising on ‘extreme’ or transgressive female bodies. In this article, we unpack these disparate perspectives and by drawing on research relating to anorexia and fat studies we advocate for an alternative theoretical space, premised on the affectual relationality/co-constitution of materiality and representation, from which to approach female bodybuilding as a corporeal practice. Moreover, we propose that by developing an interdisciplinary approach to female corporeality (muscularity, thinness, fatness etc.), we can dismantle unproductive and ontologically redundant divisions which segregate and silo feminist writing on embodiment.

Body Composition Assessment in Male and Female Bodybuilders: A 4-Compartment Model Comparison of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Impedance-Based Devices.

Graybeal, AJ, Moore, ML, Cruz, MR, and Tinsley, GM. Body composition assessment in male and female bodybuilders: a 4-compartment model comparison of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and impedance-based devices. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1676-1689, 2020-The purpose of this study was to examine the group and individual accuracy of body composition estimates obtained from multicompartment models, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and several impedance-based devices in male and female bodybuilders. Twenty-seven male (n = 17; 4-compartment [4C] model fat-free mass index [FFMI]: 25.1 ± 1.8 kg·m; 4C body fat: 11.8 ± 4.4%) and female (n = 10; 4C FFMI: 18.3 ± 1.4 kg·m; 4C body fat: 19.7 ± 4.9%) bodybuilders underwent duplicate assessments using DXA, bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), electrical impedance myography (EIM), and 3 bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices. In addition to utilizing standard output, multicompartment models were generated. For each method, body fat %, FFM, and fat mass were compared with the reference 4C model for the evaluation of group and individual errors. The 3-compartment model with a BIS body water estimate produced the lowest standard error of the estimate, total error (TE), and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) for all variables, although some alternative methods had lower constant error (CE). In general, multicompartment models with BIS or multifrequency BIA body water estimates produced more accurate body composition estimates than single assessment techniques (i.e., DXA, BIS, EIM, and BIA). Single assessment techniques produced low CE and TE for some body composition variables. However, proportional bias was observed for DXA and BIS. All single assessment techniques produced LOA large enough to make the utility of these methods questionable in individual athletes. Appropriate caution should be used when interpreting and utilizing body composition estimates in muscular physique athletes, particularly at the individual level.

Negotiating female fitness doping: gender, identity and transgressions

On the basis of qualitatively gathered interview material and data from various postings on a pro-doping online community called Flashback, the aim of this article is to describe and analyse how female users of performance and image enhancing drugs (PIED) understand and negotiate their use in relation to gender and the body. Positioned within post-structural feminism, the results show that there is an increasing amount of knowledge that not only targets but is also developed by and for women concerning PIED use. Traditionally scholars have connected female PIED use more or less exclusively to female bodybuilders, but as new body and femininity ideals develop the demographics of female fitness doping are widening. Although PIED use in the context of gym and fitness culture remains primarily a masculine domain, the results point towards a development in which women are increasingly becoming more integrated into a fitness community of PIED users.

Validity and Reliability Study of Turkish Version of “Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory” and “Bodybuilder Image Grid” Scales

Background: Although bigorexia symptoms are rapidly increasing, it is mostly an underrecognized condition in Turkish male bodybuilders. There are no validated screening tools to identify the symptoms. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of the Turkish version of the MDDI and the BIG towards the diagnosis of bigorexia and to provide health care professionals with early screening tools. Methods: One hundred twenty male bodybuilders, fifty-eight professional bodybuilders and sixtytwo recreational bodybuilders, all of whom matched the research criteria, were included in this study. MDDI and BIG forms were filled by the bodybuilders, along with an “Individual Characteristic Information Form”, a “Nutrition-related Information Form”, and a “Bodybuilding-related Information Form”. To evaluate the construct validity, factor analysis was conducted and resulted in a threefactor construct. Results: The factor-loading values ranged from 0.542- 0.827. Calculations of Cronbach’s alpha for the MDDI sum (α = 0.657) revealed a good internal consistency. The MDDI, BIG O, and BIG S intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were found to be 0.840, 0.908, and 0.879, respectively. As a result, MDDI had acceptable reliability and that of BIG O and BIG S was excellent. Discussion: Turkish MDDI, BIG-O and BIG-S forms proved to be valid and reliable scales and were adequate for determining the symptoms of bigorexia in male bodybuilders. Using these forms, there was a statistically significant relationship between bigorexia and eating disorders, which were significantly positively correlated. Conclusion: Our results support the feasibility of using the MDDI, the BIG-O, and the BIG-S forms to determine symptoms of bigorexia in Turkish population. Further studies are needed to confirm if this result can be generalized to female bodybuilders.

The Female Habitus in the Field Of Bodybuilding and Body Fitness: Gender and Symbolic Domination

[full article and abstract in Lithuanian; abstract in English]&#x0D; &#x0D; Based on P. Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, field and masculine domination, the main objective of this article is to reconstruct the social boundaries of women’s weightlifting and the operating principles of the woman’s habitus within the field of bodybuilding. It is argued that women’s body fitness and women’s bodybuilding are inevitably related to power and gender. An analysis of qualitative, semi-structured interviews with four female athletes (of whom two are female fitness athletes and two others are former female bodybuilders) provides answers to the main research question: what embodied social regulations enable (or restrict) the access of women to an athletic discipline if it is traditionally defined in terms of masculinity? It is further argued that two main criteria arise and take effect in the field of weightlifting: besides the necessity to follow a strict regime and maintain the body in proper shape, a no less important social rule is to embody a socially acceptable form of femininity. The concept of a “synchronized body” is suggested in order to explain the everyday effort to keep the athletic body in between the ever insufficient femininity and the excessive masculinity. Finally, in terms of their bodies, women athletes practice specific strategies in order to suppress the identity conflict between their athletic and “normal,” mundane lives.&#x0D;