Changes in Body Composition and Neuromuscular Performance Through Preparation, 2 Competitions, and a Recovery Period in an Experienced Female Physique Athlete

Tinsley, GM, Trexler, ET, Smith-Ryan, AE, Paoli, A, Graybeal, AJ, Campbell, BI, and Schoenfeld, BJ. Changes in body composition and neuromuscular performance through preparation, two competitions, and a recovery period in an experienced female physique athlete. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1823–1839, 2019—This prospective case study evaluated an experienced female figure competitor during contest preparation, 2 competitions, and a recovery period. Twelve laboratory sessions were conducted over 8 months. At each visit, body composition was assessed by 4-compartment model, resting metabolic rate (RMR) by indirect calorimetry, and neuromuscular performance by peak force and rate of force development (RFD) on a mechanized squat device. Caloric intake ranged from 965 to 1,610 kcal·d−1 (16.1–24.8 kcal·kg·BM−1; 18.2–31.1 kcal·kg·FFM−1), with varying macronutrient intakes (CHO: 0.3–4.8 g·kg−1; PRO: 1.7–3.0 g·kg−1; and FAT: 0.2–0.5 g·kg−1). Body fat was reduced from 20.3 to 12.2% before the first competition and declined to 11.6% before the second competition. Fat-free mass increased by 2.1% before the first competition and peaked at 4.6% above baseline in the recovery period. Resting metabolic rate decreased from 1,345 kcal·d−1 at baseline to a low value of 1,119 kcal·d−1 between competitions. By the end of recovery, RMR increased to 1,435 kcal·d−1. Concentric and eccentric peak forces declined by up to 19% before the first competition, experi...
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research