Muscle dysmorphia in elite-level power lifters and bodybuilders: a test of differences within a conceptual model.
The purpose of this study was to determine if associated characteristics of muscle dysmorphia (MD) were different between elite-level competitive bodybuilders and power lifters. Elite-level competitive bodybuilders (n = 100) and power lifters (n = 68) completed the muscle dysmorphia inventory (MDI) at the time of or immediately before competition. A 2 x 6 (group x MDI subscales) multivariate analysis of variance indicated that bodybuilders were significantly more likely to report body size-symmetry concerns (F(1, 167) = 10.31, p < 0.001), physique protection (F(1, 167) = 10.27, p < 0.001), dietary behavior (F(1, 167) = 28.38, p < 0.001), and pharmacological use (F(1, 167) = 19.64, p < 0.001) than were power lifters. These results suggest that elite-level bodybuilders are significantly more likely to engage in characteristics associated with MD than are elite-level power lifters.
Lantz
Christopher D
CD
Health and Exercise Science, Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri 63501, USA. clantz@truman.edu
Rhea
Deborah J
DJ
Cornelius
Allen E
AE
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001824:Body Constitution / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D024510:Muscle Development / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D011336:Probability; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013177:Sports; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*