Anthropometric and Physiological Changes in Bodybuilders During the COVID Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic infects athletes in different ways, and some ceased their training due to the pandemic. Many others reduced their workout due to the closure of sports venues, and some could continue their training as usual for a while.

The aims of this study can be divided into two categories: (1) Test the between-group effect of different levels of training over six weeks and (2) test the within-group changes regarding body composition and fitness levels.

Thirty-six male bodybuilders (age = 24 - 33) with at least two years of training experience volunteered to participate. The athletes were divided into two groups, those who were healthy and continued their training program (CTR, n = 12), those who were healthy and ceased their training program (HWT, n = 12), and athletes who were infected and ceased their training program (INF, n = 12). The maximal muscle strength in a chest press and squat before and after weeks was measured in the participants. In addition, skinfolds were used to examine body composition changes over the six weeks. Pre-pandemic anthropometric and physiological parameters of these subjects were available from their clubs. Before athletes returned to exercise in training groups, cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, syncope, tachycardia, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneezing, sore throat, asthma, and bronchial hypersensitivity after infection were assessed and recorded. One-way analysis was used to compare pre-and post-parameters, and Tukey post-hoc tests were used to assess the significance.

Post-test results revealed bodybuilders infected with the COVID-19 virus had significantly greater weight and lean body mass losses than the other two groups. Also, their 1RM squat and chest press exercises decreased more (P < 0.005). Clinical manifestations of the disease showed a return to normal ranges following two weeks of training.

Lack of training caused changes in body composition and upper- and lower-body muscle strength of bodybuilders. If the cessation of training coincided with the COVID-19 infection, the intensity of these changes was exacerbated. It is recommended that training of those who have recovered from the coronavirus should be closely monitored for at least two weeks so that medical interventions can be promptly provided if necessary.