A case study series of the health status and key anthropometry in very large strength athletes.

Chappell, Andrew; Simper, Trevor

Abstract

Strongmen are characterised by the large mass they use to perform feats of strength, but the effect this large mass has on the athlete's health is unknown. The aim of this study was to: characterise a group of strongmen and to compare observed values with established parameters for good health. We measured resting metabolic rate, body composition, skinfolds, lipid profiles, fasted glucose, blood pressure, power output, and grip strength in six competitive strongmen over six months. Blood pressure varied, with three of the strongmen recording hypertensive values. Fasted blood glucose levels aligned with values for healthy adults, but cholesterol/lipid profiles were more variable, suggesting that values are generally poorer in strongmen than in healthy adults. The large body mass of the strongmen corresponded with a large amount of adipose tissue, which may incur risk for non-communicable disease. Furthermore, the risk of disease may be further compounded by anabolic steroid use. Dietary considerations are made for protecting cardiovascular health and the potential for 'healthy' weight gain. To our knowledge this is the first such nested cohort study in the area of strongmen competitors. Larger studies are needed to confirm and further elucidate this data. The article also suggests considerations for protecting the health of competitive strongmen.

Citation

CHAPPELL, A. and SIMPER, T. 2020. A case study series of the health status and key anthropometry in very large strength athletes. IUSCA journal [online], 1(1), article ID 2, pages 1-20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.47206/iuscaj.v1i1.2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 6, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jul 31, 2020
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2020
• Deposit Date: Sep 14, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 14, 2020
• Journal: International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association Journal
• Print ISSN: 2517-6110
• Electronic ISSN: 2517-6110
• Publisher: International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2
• Pages: 1-20
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.47206/iuscaj.v1i1.2
• Keywords: Strongmen; Weightlifting; Weightlifters; Strength athletics; Cholesterol; Blood pressure; Diet; Heart disease
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/963303