Thesis (M.s.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-135). Also available via the Internet.

The extent of muscular strength and muscular size in 20 female bodybuilders and 20 non-strength trained females was studied. Body composition and segment volumes and related anthropometric measurements data were obtained along with chest press and knee extension One Repetition Maximum (IRM) and 25 Repitition Maximum (25RM) values. No group differences were present in age, height, weight and segment volumes. The bodybuilders had a lower percent body fat, greater lean body weight (LBW) and larger muscles compared to the non-strength trained females.

The purpose of the study was to provide descriptive information on nutritional profiles and body weight (BW) patterns of 6 competitive female body builders (x age = 27) before, during and after a competition. Precompetition (-28 to -26 d); (-9 to -7 d), competition (-2 to 0 d) and post competition (+1 to +3 d); (+26 to +28 d) 3-d diet and BW records were recorded. Diet records were analyzed using the Nutripractor 6000 nutrient analysis system. Two weeks precompetition, percent body fat was estimated using skinfold measurements. All subjects completed a 60-item fixed choice and open-ended questionnaire concerning menstrual characteristics, training and dietary practices. A subgroup (n=2) agreed to collect daily urine samples for one month prior and one month after competition. Samples were analyzed for estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). / Master of Science

This study compared bone mineral index (BMI, gm/cm²) of the femur, spine, and radius, measured by photon absorptiometry in various groups of eumenorrheic female athletes. The sample included body builders (11), swimmers (13), runners (5 collegiate, 11 recreational), and inactive controls (18) averaging 25 years of age, ranging from 17 to 38 years. Lumbar vertebral BMI for body builders (1.40 gm/cm²) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater than controls (1.25 gm/cm²). The body builders' femoral neck BMI (1.09 gm/cm²) was significantly greater than swimmers (0.97 gm/cm², recreational runners and controls (0.95 gm/cm²). Years of exercise history and calcium consumption were not significant predictors of BMI. Correlation coefficients between fat-free body and all BMI sites were significant and more closely related to bone mineral than other variables (weight, height, weight/height²). Correlation coefficients for proximal and distal radius BMI and femoral and spine BMI were significant, the distal radius having higher association.