Competition preparation does not exacerbate mood states of university natural bodybuilders

BACKGROUND: The preparation for bodybuilding competitions, which involves high-volume and high-intensity resistance training coupled with strict dietary restrictions, can impact the psychological and physiological conditions of bodybuilders. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of bodybuilding competition preparation on mood states and physiological biomarkers in university natural bodybuilders. METHODS: Twenty-one university students were divided into three groups: bodybuilding team members who competed (competition preparation [CP] group, N.=7), bodybuilding team members who did not compete (training [TR] group, N.=7), and the general university student population (control [CN] group, N.=7). Body composition, mood states, and levels of salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin (Ig) A were assessed four times: 12 weeks prior, 4 weeks prior, 1 week prior, and 4 weeks post-competition. RESULTS: Body weight and body fat percentage were significantly lower in the CP group compared to the TR and CN groups at 4 weeks and 1 week prior to competition. There were no significant differences in mood states and salivary cortisol and IgA concentrations during the pre-and post-competition periods between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preparation for competition, when coupled with intense resistance training and strict dietary restrictions, may not adversely affect the psychological condition and salivary biomarker levels of university natural bodybuilders.