Analysis of the morphological changes in beginning bodybuilders due to resistance training

Abstract

Bodybuilding is the kind of sport in which a sportsman’s body shape influences the competition results[1;23]. In spite of scientific researches in the sport anthropology there is the lack of information about morphological changes of beginner bodybuilders as a result of resistance training [17]. The aim of this study was to trace changes of somatotype of bodybuilders of first and second class during mass gaining period. Materials and methods involved: a total of 22 male first and second class bodybuilders aged from 19 to 26 year old participated in this study. Body weight, Height, Skinfolds thickness (Triceps, Subscapular, Abdominal and Medial calf, Girths of tensed arm and calf, and two Breadths (Biepicondylar Humerus Breadth and Biepicondylar Femur Breadth) from each participants were measured before and after the basic period. The Height was 180±1.11sm. The body mass in the beginning of study was 78.9±1.29kg, in the end it was 79.64±1.22kg (t=2.91, p<0.01). Measurement indicators of skinfolds in the beginning and the end of study were: Triceps - 4.55±0.27mm; 4.59±0.21mm (t=0.25, p>0.05), Subscapular - 6.91±0.51mm; 6.86±0.40mm (t=0.23, p>0.05), Abdominal - 10.05±0.95mm; 9.14±0.67mm (t=2.3, p>0.05), Medial calf - 4.68±0.26mm; 4.64±0.22mm (t=0.29, p>0.05). The Morphological level before and after study was: Endomorphy - 2.45±0.20; 2.36±0.14 (t=1.05, p>0.05), Mesomorphy - 5.20±0.13; 5.58±0.14 (t=4.7, p<0.001), Ectomorphy - 2.08±0.11; 1.76±0.07 (t=3.03, p<0.01). The Girth of tensed arm was 41.3±0.33mm; 42.6±0.31mm (t=4.12, p<0.001), The Girth of Medial calf - 40.23±0.27mm; 41.09±0.37mm (t=3.07, p<0.01). Our study has showed the changes of somatotype of bodybuilders 1st and 2nd class during the basic period of preparation. Bodybuilders shifted their somatotype towards mesomorphic type during mass gaining period.