Investigation of Deltoid Muscle Activation From Different Angles in Body Building Athletes.

Objectives: It is known that bodybuilders suffer from shoulder injuries frequently. Therefore, it is important to determine the most appropriate form of movement during shoulder exercises. For this reason, this study was carried out to determine the most accurate form of movement by examining the deltoid muscle activation of bodybuilders from different angles. Methods: The survey model, one of the quantitative research techniques, was used in this study. 53 athletes (44 men, 9 women) with an age of 25.77±9.13 years, height of 177.07±8.40 cm, body weight of 78.06±14.16 kg, and body mass index of 24.78±3.43 kg/m2 who regularly attended bodybuilding gyms were included in the study. The deltoid activations of the participants was measured, while the glenohumeral joint is at 90°, the cubital joint is in abduction at 180°, 150° and 120°. surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback was determined using the Neurotrac Myoplus Pro device. Joint angles were determined with a goniometer. Statistical analyses of the study were performed using the SPSS 25 package program. It was found that the data were normally distributed and the Repeated measures Anova test was applied for comparisons. Results: As a result of statistical analysis, in male participants, mean deltoid sEMG values and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC [%]) significantly decreased with decreasing angle size (p<0.05). In female participants, the average sEMG and MVC (%) values did not change at different angles (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the research results, shoulder sEMG activations decrease in direct proportion to the angle in bodybuilders. When the glenohumeral joint is 90° and the cubital joint is 180°, the activation of the medial deltoid muscle is highest. It is suggested that bodybuilders should consider the results of our study when performing exercises to hypertrophy the deltoid muscle.

Effects of the Ketogenic Diet on Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance-Trained Men and Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Reviews focused on the ketogenic diet (KD) based on the increase in fat-free mass (FFM) have been carried out with pathological populations or, failing that, without population differentiation. The aim of this review and meta-analysis was to verify whether a ketogenic diet without programmed energy restriction generates increases in fat-free mass (FFM) in resistance-trained participants. We evaluated the effect of the ketogenic diet, in conjunction with resistance training, on fat-free mass in trained participants. Boolean algorithms from various databases (PubMed, Scopus. and Web of Science) were used, and a total of five studies were located that related to both ketogenic diets and resistance-trained participants. In all, 111 athletes or resistance-trained participants (87 male and 24 female) were evaluated in the studies analyzed. We found no significant differences between groups in the FFM variables, and more research is needed to perform studies with similar ketogenic diets and control diet interventions. Ketogenic diets, taking into account the possible side effects, can be an alternative for increasing muscle mass as long as energy surplus is generated; however, their application for eight weeks or more without interruption does not seem to be the best option due to the satiety and lack of adherence generated.

The deleterious effects of anabolic androgenic steroid abuse on sexual and reproductive health and comparison of recovery between treated and untreated patients: Single-center prospective randomized study.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is a global health-related concern, as most of the related studies showed increasing trends and deleterious effects, mostly on sexual and fertility health. Unfortunately, there are no consensuses about the management pathways due to the lack of specific guidelines. We aimed to confirm the deleterious effects of AAS abuse, monitor the spontaneous recovery, and demonstrate the effects of treatment regimens on recovery. We enrolled 520 patients with a confirmed history of AAS intake within 1 year of presentation and evaluated their symptoms, hormones levels, and semen every 3 months until 12 months. All patients were monitored for spontaneous recovery in the first 3 months; if they showed no recovery, they were randomized to undergo either continued observation or commence medications. The most common presentation (84%) was a combination of sexual symptoms while some patients (18%) were infertile. Most patients (90%) reported low levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and total testosterone. After the 3-month observation, most patients (89%) started treatment, but some (11%) continued observation only. Treated patients showed faster improvement regarding the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) values, hormone levels, testicular size and semen parameters compared to non-treated patients (p < 0.005). Among the 94 patients who presented with infertility (18%), 61 had oligospermia and 33 had azoospermia. All received treatment, but only 14 (15%) achieved successful pregnancy at 12 months while all azoospermic's patients continued to have infertility at the end of the follow-up period. These findings demonstrated the significant negative impact of AAS abuse on sexual health and fertility, and the need for medical treatment to have faster recovery from their adverse effect.

A Qualitative Research on the Winter Sports Body-Building Activities of Chinese Residents from the Perspective of Social Stratification / Una investigación cualitativa sobre las actividades de musculación de los deportes de invierno de los residentes chinos desde la perspectiva de la estratificación social

Social stratum differences lay behind the winter sports body-building activities of Chinese residents. Guided by social stratification theory, this paper takes heterogeneity research as the paradigm, and carries out in-depth interviews to explore the winter sports body-building behaviors and concepts of Chinese citizens in three classes, namely, middle class (white collar), working class (blue collar), and unemployed (jobless) class. In addition, the authors explored the correlation of participation and experience of each class with economy, education, and society dimensions of snow sports culture. This paper holds that: a. Difference in economic conditions determine the level, scope, and degree of the participation of winter sports; b. The improvement of education level accelerates the socialization progress of participants, but it also increases the differentiation of individual participation and intensifies social stratification; c. The bidding and holding of Beijing Winter Olympics greatly promotes the development of winter sports in China, and forms a feature of “middle-class consumers”, while the consumption of the working class and unemployed (jobless) residents is more "rational". The paradigm of social stratification and heterogeneity research helps relevant researchers to break away from the narrow perspective of finding the individual-level causality behind winter sports body-building, laying the basis for social, and sports researchers to recognize and understand the unequal social structure of winter sports participation.(AU)

Is competitive body-building pathological? Survey of 984 male strength trainers.

OBJECTIVES: Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of individuals worldwide engage in competitive body-building. Body-building often attracts derogatory characterisations such as as 'bizarre' or 'narcissistic,' or a 'freak show', seemingly implying that it is associated with pathology. Few studies have compared psychological features in competitive bodybuilders versus recreational strength trainers. METHODS: Using logistic regression with adjustment for age and race, we compared 96 competitive bodybuilders ('competitors') with 888 recreational strength trainers ('recreationals'), assessed in a prior internet survey, regarding demographics; body image; use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), other appearance-enhancing and performance-enhancing drugs (APEDs), and classical drugs of abuse; history of psychiatric diagnoses; and history of childhood physical/sexual abuse. RESULTS: Competitors reported a higher lifetime prevalence of AAS (61 (63.5%) vs 356 (10.1%), p<0.001) and other APED use than recreationals but showed very few significant differences on other survey measures. AAS-using competitors were more likely than AAS-using recreationals to have disclosed their AAS use to a physician (31 (50.8%) vs 107 (30.0%), p=0.003). Both groups reported high levels of body image concerns but did not differ from one another (eg, 'preoccupation with appearance' caused significant reported distress or impairment in important areas of functioning for 18 (18.8%) competitors vs 132 (15.4%) recreationals, p=0.78). No significant differences were found on the prevalence of reported childhood physical abuse (9 (9.4%) vs 77 (8.8%), p=0.80) or sexual abuse (4 (4.2%) vs 39 (4.5%), p=0.83). Competitors reported a lower lifetime prevalence of marijuana use than recreationals (38 (39.6%) vs 514 (57.9%), p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Aside from their APED use, competitive bodybuilders show few psychological differences from recreational strength trainers.

Pharmacological effects and safety monitoring of anabolic androgenic steroid use: differing perceptions between users and healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Androgenic anabolic steroids (AASs) have a number of licensed clinical indications but are also subject to abuse within the body building community. They have a number of potentially important adverse pharmacological effects, and users require health monitoring, including selected laboratory investigations. The extent to which AAS users are able to seek medical supervision and the ability of healthcare providers to respond to the needs of users is uncertain. The present study sought to ascertain how AAS abusers interact with healthcare providers, and self-reported knowledge among doctors regarding the healthcare effects and need for monitoring of AAS users. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered, and there were 216 respondents among AAS users and 134 doctors. RESULTS: A high proportion of AAS users cited various barriers to accessing healthcare, including 136 of 189 (72%) that reported a fear of reproach, and 107 of 194 (55%) that had avoided seeking medical advice; 137 of 193 respondents (71%) did not disclose AAS use to healthcare professionals. Doctors across a broad range of seniority stated a lack of knowledge of AASs; 130 (97%) had received no formal training, and 109 (82%) did not know which blood tests could be used for safety monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has highlighted some perceptions among the body-building community that create obstacles to them accessing appropriate safety monitoring while using AASs. Doctors may not have adequate knowledge of AASs, which may prevent them giving accurate and complete information. Further work is needed to address the barriers of communication between users and health professionals in order to facilitate better healthcare monitoring and drug safety.

Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid use: A risk factor for dementia?

Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with physiologic, cognitive, and brain abnormalities similar to those found in people at risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease and its related dementias (AD/ADRD), which are associated with high brain ß-amyloid (Aß) and hyperphosphorylated tau (tau-P) protein levels. Supraphysiologic-dose AAS induces androgen abnormalities and excess oxidative stress, which have been linked to increased and decreased expression or activity of proteins that synthesize and eliminate, respectively, Aß and tau-P. Aß and tau-P accumulation may begin soon after initiating supraphysiologic-dose AAS use, which typically occurs in the early 20s, and their accumulation may be accelerated by other psychoactive substance use, which is common among non-medical AAS users. Accordingly, the widespread use of supraphysiologic-dose AAS may increase the numbers of people who develop dementia. Early diagnosis and correction of sex-steroid level abnormalities and excess oxidative stress could attenuate risk for developing AD/ADRD in supraphysiologic-dose AAS users, in people with other substance use disorders, and in people with low sex-steroid levels or excess oxidative stress associated with aging.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Iranian Pharmacists, Body Builders, and Their Coaches Regarding Sports Supplements.

OBJECTIVE: This study is conducted on Iranian pharmacists, coaches, and athletes regarding sports supplements to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding sports supplements. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2015. The study population consisted of all community pharmacists, bodybuilders, and bodybuilding coaches. The questionnaire was applied consisting some demographic questions and 25 questions for assessing KAP (6, 9, and 10, respectively). The collected data were analyzed with independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. FINDINGS: In all three studied groups, the mean of KAP was upper than intermediate level 3 (P < 0.05) except the pharmacists' knowledge. A statistically significant difference appears between knowledge and age of pharmacists (P = 0.007). In addition, there was a significant relationship between coaches' practice and age (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: According to the results although the studied groups have the intermediate level of KAP, organized and regular education courses are highly recommended along with paying more attention to the curriculum taught in the pharmacy schools according to the community current needs.

Structural and functional abnormalities of hepatic tissues in male Wistar rats fed hyperwhey and super amino anabolic protein.

OBJECTIVE: Athletes and bodybuilders consume high-protein supplements to obtain energy and enhance the development and strength of their muscles. Over time, different investigations have revealed dysfunctions of their body organs. There are contradictions among scientists concerning the benefits and the alarm of developing body dysfunction. The aim of this study was to illustrate the effects on consumption of two anabolic protein supplements on body weight and structure and function of hepatocytes in male albino Wistar rats. METHODS: We assigned male Wistar albino rats into three groups (n = 10 each): control, hyperwhey protein (Nutrabolics, Richmond, Canada) (2.5 g/kg body weight), and super amino 2500 (SA) (APN, Ft. Launderale, FL, USA) (2.5 g/kg body weight). The applied dose was orally administered daily in tap water for 14 wk. Body weight was regularly measured. At 14 wk, animals were sacrificed and dissected. Blood was collected from a puncture of the heart and the liver was removed and weighed. Biochemical analysis of liver function tests, lipidogram, hematology, histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, B-cell lymphoma 2 and 70 kd heat shock proteins, and flow-cytometry of hepatocyte cell cycle were performed. RESULTS: Hyperwhey- and SA-supplemented rats had lower body weight gain compared with the control group and developed hepatic dysfunction manifested by apparent congestion of blood vessel, increased apoptosis, and breakdown of hepatocytes. The SA group had thickening of the liver capsule and more drastic damage of hepatocytes. The level of transaminases was markedly increased. Insulin level was also markedly decreased in parallel with increase cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerols. CONCLUSION: Hyperwhey and SA protein formula administration dramatically altered the liver function and increased hepatic damage similar to the development of suspected diabetes.

Acute kidney injury associated with androgenic steroids and nutritional supplements in bodybuilders(†).

Four bodybuilders who injected anabolic steroids and ingested commercial protein (78-104 g/day) and creatine (15 g/day) products presented with serum creatinine levels between 229.84 and 335.92 µmol/L (2.6-3.8 mg/dL). Renal biopsies revealed acute tubular necrosis. Four weeks after discontinuing injections and supplements, serum creatinine was in the normal range and estimated glomerular filtration rate > 1.00 mL/s (60 mL/min), including two patients with biopsies showing >30% interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. The findings highlight a risk for acute and potentially chronic kidney injury among young men abusing anabolic steroids and using excessive amounts of nutritional supplements.

Cardiovascular manifestations of anabolic steroids in association with demographic variables in body building athletes.

BACKGROUND: The most common drug abuse among athletes is anabolic steroids which lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases and sudden death. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes of anabolic consumption in body building athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally, 267 male athletes at the range of 20-45 years old with the regular consumption of anabolic steroids for >2 months with at least once weekly. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), and hematocrit (Hct) levels were measured after 10 h of fasting. Data analysis was performed using K2, t-test, ANOVA and correlation coefficient through SPSS 17. RESULTS: There was a nonsignificant difference between groups regarding HDL, TG, and total cholesterol. There was a significant decrease in the total and categorized LDL and Hct levels in consumers of anabolic steroid versus nonusers (P = 0.01 and P = 0.041, respectively). Results showed a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) in anabolic steroid users which associates with duration of abuse (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). No significant electrocardiography changes were found within the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Increase in SBP or DBP is a common complication of these drugs which can lead serious vascular disorders. The lower LDL cholesterol level might be due to the higher amounts of lipid consumption in these athletes.

The Misuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids among Iranian Recreational Male Body-Builders and Their Related Psycho-Socio-Demographic factors.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence and potential side effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) misuse by athletes has made it a major public health concern. Epidemiological studies on the abuse of such drugs are mandatory for developing effective preventive drug control programs in sports community. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of AAS abuse and their association with some psycho-socio-demographic factors in Iranian male recreational body-builders. METHODS: Between March and October 2011; 906 recreational male body-builders from 103 randomly selected bodybuilding clubs in Tehran, Iran were participated in this study. Some psycho-socio- demographic factors including age, job, average family income, family size, sport experience (months), weekly duration of the sporting activity (h), purpose of participation in sporting activity, mental health as well as body image (via General Health Questionnaire and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, respectively), and history of AAS use were obtained by interviews using questionnaires. RESULTS: Participants were all recreational male body-builders [mean age (SD): 25.7 (7.1), ranging 14-56 yr]. Self-report of AAS abuse was registered in 150 body-builders (16.6%). Among different psycho-socio-demographic factors, only family income and sport experience were inversely associated with AAS abuse. CONCLUSION: Lifetime prevalence of AAS abuse is relatively high among recreational body-builders based on their self-report. Some psycho-socio-demographic factors including family income and sport experience may influence the prevalence of AAS abuse.

A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis extracts.

Extracts and powders of Cissus quadrangularis have been used for many years to promote bone and tissues healing, as an analgesic, to treat infections, as an anabolic, and to promote weight loss and weight management. This review summarizes the studies in animals, humans and in vitro systems that have been conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of various Cissus preparations. Animal and in vitro studies provide support for the use of Cissus in promoting bone fracture healing and as an anti-osteoporotic. Several human studies support the use of Cissus extracts in weight management. No studies have been conducted demonstrating that Cissus exhibits anabolic and body building activities. Based on studies to date, Cissus extracts appear to be exceedingly safe and free of adverse effects at the doses commonly used. A wide variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Cissus extracts, including steroids, flavonoids, stilbenes, iridoids, triterpenes and gallic acid derivatives. However, in few cases have specific physiological effects been related to identifiable constituents. Better standardization of extracts and more well-controlled human studies are required.

La construcción cultural del cuerpo: el paradigma de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria / The cultural body building: the paradigm of eating disorders

Background: Ideal body image building is based on values, beliefs and aesthetic patterns characteristic of our western society where eating disorders (ED) emerge. Objective: To describe factors related to cultural body building in ED. Method: An exhaustive review of the evidence within specialized national and international literature was made. Results: Western contemporary beauty model promotes a thin body image, synonym of success, attractiveness and intelligence, mainly seen in the upper social class, emphasized by the media, modeling, publicity and the narcissistic cult of the body, predisposing to ED. Individual factors also contributes to the cultural body building like gender differences (95 percent of ED cases are females), the predominant identification with the feminine gender role stereotype, the higher prevalence in white ethnic groups, the relevant influence of the family and friends concerning weight, silhouette and food, criticism and bullying from the significant others, the social reinforcement with respect to biological and/or emotional changes in adolescence, perfectionism traits and affiliation to "pro-ana" and "pro-mia" web sites. Conclusions: The internalization of socioculturalpressures generates negative and distorted consequences in feminine bodies, especially in adolescents and young adult females in risk to develop ED. Primary prevention and psychoeducative strategies are necessary to manage the media messages focused on body perfection in a healthier style.

Antecedentes: La construcción de la imagen corporal ideal se basa en valores, creencias y patrones estéticos característicos de nuestra sociedad occidental, en cuyo contexto emergen los trastornos alimentarios (TCA). Objetivo: Describir los factores que contribuyen a la construcción cultural del cuerpo en los TCA. Método: Se efectuó una revisión exhaustiva de la evidencia en la literatura especializada nacional e internacional. Resultados: El modelo de belleza occidental contemporáneo promueve una silueta corporal delgada, sinónimo de éxito, atractivo e inteligencia, observada principalmente en la clase social alta, enfatizada por el modelaje, los medios de comunicación, la publicidad y el culto narcisista al cuerpo, predisponiendo al desarrollo de los TCA. También contribuyen a la construcción cultural del cuerpo, factores individuales, tales como las diferencias genéricas (95 por ciento de los casos de TCA afectan a mujeres), la identificación predominante con el estereotipo de rol de género femenino, la mayor prevalencia en la raza blanca, la relevante influencia de la familia y las amistades sobre el peso, silueta y alimentos, las críticas y/o burlas de los otros significativos, el reforzamiento social respecto a los cambios biológicos y emocionales de la adolescencia, los rasgos perfeccionistas y la filiación a los sitios web "pro-ana" y "pro-mia". Conclusiones: La internalización de las presiones socioculturales genera consecuencias negativas y distorsionadas en los cuerpos femeninos, especialmente en mujeres adolescentes y adultas jóvenes en riesgo para desarrollar TCA. Son necesarias las estrategias de prevención primaria y psicoeducación para manejar en un estilo más sano los mensajes mediáticos enfocados en la perfección corporal.

O fim da comida: suplementação alimentar e alimentação entre frequentadores assíduos de academias de musculação e fitness do Rio de Janeiro / The end of food: dietary supplementation and diet among avid members of workout and fitness centers in Rio de Janeiro

Aborda a singularidade alimentar de um grupo de frequentadores assíduos de academias e fitness da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Destaca a relação do alimento com a manutenção da forma física e com a sociabilidade prevalecente. Em 12 academias das Zonas Norte e Sul da cidade fizeram-se observações etnográficas - diretas e participantes - e entrevistas abertas, durante três anos. Alimentar-se, para o grupo, significa articular um sistema de saberes ligados à ciência da nutrição visando administrar a forma física e o desempenho atlético. O alimento torna-se, assim, poderoso artifício químico para o aprimoramento estético do corpo.

Body building, travestismo e feminilidade / Body building, transvestism and femininity

Neste artigo, parte-se da ideia de corpo virtual, de sexualidade e das histórias do travestismo e transexualismo. Aborda-se a busca pelo feminino por alguns homens e também por mulheres. Para tanto, utiliza-se o conceito de body building, um fenômeno que começou no pós-guerra e vem se solidificando na atualidade devido ao desenvolvimento da ciência na área de cirurgia plástica e outros métodos de construção do corpo. Discute-se a inadequação do termo travestismo, uma vez que a caracterização do feminino nestes casos não está mais só nas vestes e sim, também no corpo. Por fim, fala-se a respeito da força que a feminilidade exerce sobre o ser humano e de um novo sujeito que surge nas sociedades atuais, desafiando conceitos teóricos e padrões culturais de gênero.

In this work, we address the search for the feminine side by some men and also by women, from the standpoint of the idea of the virtual body, of sexuality and the history of transvestism and transsexualism. To this end, we have used the concept of body-building, a phenomenon that began in the post-war period and which, today, is stronger than ever due to the development of science in plastic surgery and other body building methods. We discuss the inadequacy of the term transvestism since the characterization of what is feminine in these cases is not only in the wearing of clothes, but also in the body itself. Finally we question the power that femininity has over the human being and discuss the new individual that is emerging in society today, challenging theoretical concepts and cultural gender models.

Perfil morfológico de culturistas brasileiros de elite em período competitivo / Morphological profile of elite brazilian bodybuilders in competitive season

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil morfológico de culturistas brasileiros de elite que competiram no XXVII Campeonato Brasileiro de Culturismo-Musculação. Um total de 28 atletas (27,0 ± 7,4 anos; 78,2 ± 8,7kg; 170,1 ± 6,9cm), do sexo masculino, foram voluntariamente estudados. Medidas antropométricas (massa corporal, estatura, espessura de dobras cutâneas, perímetros e diâmetros) foram coletadas de todos os sujeitos no período da manhã, no dia da competição. Os valores estimados da composição corporal dos atletas foram os seguintes: gordura corporal relativa, 5,8 ± 0,5 por cento; massa corporal magra, 73,6 ± 8,2kg; massa muscular, 54,3 ± 6,7kg; área muscular do braço, 108,51 ± 15,19cm². Por outro lado, o somatótipo médio encontrado foi: endomorfia, 1,11 ± 0,29; mesomorfia, 8,26 ± 0,67; ectomorfia, 0,95 ± 0,53 (mesomorfo balanceado). Além de os culturistas apresentarem elevados níveis de desenvolvimento muscular (~70 por cento) e baixos depósitos de gordura corporal, verificou-se uniformidade nos acúmulos de gordura localizada. A predominância do componente mesomorfo confirmou a estrutura muscular acentuadamente desenvolvida encontrada nos atletas investigados. Portanto, os resultados do presente estudo demonstram que atletas de culturismo de elite apresentam no dia da competição grande volume muscular, bem como excelente definição muscular, proporcionalidade e simetria.

The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological profile of elite Brazilian bodybuilders who participated in the XXVII Brazilian Championship of Body Building. A total of 28 male athletes (27.0 ± 7.4 years; 78.2 ± 8.7 kg; 170.1 ± 6.9cm), were voluntarily assessed. Anthropometric measures (body mass, stature, skinfolds thickness, perimeters and diameters) were collected from all subjects in the morning shift, at the competition day. The estimated values of the body composition of the athletes were the following: relative body fat, 5.8 ± 0.5 percent; lean body mass, 73.6 ± 8.2 kg; muscular mass, 54.3 ± 6.7 kg and arm muscular area, 108.51 ± 15.19 cm². Conversely, the mean somatotype found was: endomorphy, 1.11 ± 0.29; mesomorphy, 8.26 ± 0.67; ectomorphy, 0.95 ± 0.53 (balanced mesomorphy). Besides high levels of muscular development (~70 percent) and low body fat buildup, the bodybuilders also presented uniformity in the accumulation of located fat. Predominance of the mesophormic component confirmed muscular structure remarkably developed found in the investigated athletes. Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrate that elite body building athletes present large amount of muscular volume, as well as excellent muscular definition, proportionality and symmetry at the day of the competition.