title: Case Study: The Effect of 32 Weeks of Figure-Contest Preparation on a Self-Proclaimed Drug-Free Female's Lean Body and Bone Mass.
abstract: To achieve the criterion appearance before competing in a physique competition, athletes undergo preparatory regimens involving high-volume intense resistance and aerobic exercise with hypocaloric energy intake. As the popularity of "drug-free" competition increases, more athletes are facing this challenge without the recuperative advantage provided by performance-enhancing drugs. Consequently, the likelihood of loss of lean body and/or bone mass is increased. The purpose of this investigation was to monitor changes in body composition for a 29-year-old self-proclaimed drug-free female figure competitor during a 32-week preparatory regimen comprising high-volume resistance and aerobic exercise with hypocaloric energy intake. We used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to evaluate regional fat and bone mineral density. During the initial 22 weeks, the subject reduced energy intake and engaged in resistance (4-5 sessions/week) and aerobic (3 sessions/week) training. During the final 10 weeks, the subject increased exercise frequency to 6 (resistance) and 4 (aerobic) sessions/week while ingesting 1130-1380 kcal/day. During this 10-week period, she consumed a high quantity of protein (~55% of energy intake) and nutritional supplements. During the 32 weeks, body mass and fat mass decreased by 12% and 55%, respectively. Conversely, lean body mass increased by 1.5%, an amount that exceeded the coefficient of variation associated with DXA-derived measurement. Total bone mineral density was unchanged throughout. In summary, in preparation for a figure competition, a self-proclaimed drug-free female achieved the low body-fat percentage required for success in competition without losing lean mass or bone density by following a 32-week preparatory exercise and nutritional regimen.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Petrizzo
authors.forename: Frederick J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: DiMenna
authors.forename: Kimberly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wygand
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Otto
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D001823:Body Composition; D015519:Bone Density; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055070:Resistance Training; D064133:Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
keywords: figure competition; high-intensity exercise; hypocaloric diet