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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Lean body mass and maximal strength changes during physique contest preparation and recovery: A case series
Performance Enhancement & Health, Vol.14(1), pp.1-9
2026
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate changes in lean body mass (LBM) and maximal strength during preparation for a physique contest season and one month post-season. Three drug-free male physique athletes were observed. Laboratory tests were conducted at various intervals: immediately before starting weight loss, 2 months, 1 month, and 1 week before their first contest, 1 week before their last contest, and 1 month post-season. Body composition was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioimpedance (BIA), and skinfold (SK) measurements. Muscle thickness (MT) of the elbow flexors and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vastus lateralis were evaluated via ultrasound. Strength assessments (isometric and isokinetic peak torque) were measured using a dynamometer. Blood biomarkers and dietary intake were also tracked. During the preparation phase, LBM decreased in all athletes: 1.7–5.3 kg (DXA), 4.3–8.5 kg (BIA), and 7.0–9.5 kg (SK). One month into recovery, LBM rapidly increased: 2.5–3.4 kg (DXA), 4.1–4.6 kg (BIA), and 3.4–5.5 kg (SK). Both MT and CSA decreased during preparation but increased during recovery. Maximal strength performance remained within expected day-to-day variation for isometric peak torque and isokinetic peak torque at 60°/s, but isokinetic peak torque at 240°/s exceeded expected variation, only partially restored post-contest. Testosterone levels decreased and sex-hormone binding globulin increased during preparation, with varying recovery. Reductions in LBM, MT, and CSA during caloric restriction were followed by rapid increases post-contest, resulting in negligible net changes from baseline. This provides evidence that highly trained individuals are able to retain contractile tissue during substantial weight loss following a daily caloric deficit of 500 kcal.
Details
- Title
- Lean body mass and maximal strength changes during physique contest preparation and recovery: A case series
- Authors
- Vebjørn Nettum (Corresponding Author) - Norwegian School of Sport SciencesTherese F. Mathisen - Østfold University CollegeGary Slater - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsOlivier Seynnes - Norwegian School of Sport SciencesGøran Paulsen - Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
- Publication details
- Performance Enhancement & Health, Vol.14(1), pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100404
- ISSN
- 2211-2669
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991184286602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
- Psychology, Applied
- Sport Sciences
- Substance Abuse