The profile of body abnormalities among bodybuilders

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 MSc Student of Sport Pathology and Corrective Exercise, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, University of Isfahan, Iran.

10.22122/jrrs.v6i1.124

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Functional abnormalities are typically caused by non-standard use of body which has such consequences as various deformities and residual side-effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate types of skeletal abnormalities and their respective incidence among bodybuilders. Materials & Methods: 118 bodybuilders were examined for functional abnormalities through posture screening. Obtained data was first recorded on an assessment checklist and then statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: A total number of 874 Functional abnormalities were observed in all subjects participated in this study. On the average, each subject suffered from approximately 7.5 abnormalities. The most frequently observed abnormalities were as follows (arranged in a descending order): medial rotated shoulder (10.4%), lordosis (9.61%), anterior head tilt (8.65%), and kyphosis (7.78%). The observed number of trunk and head abnormalities was significantly different from that of upper extremities (χ2 = 12.28, p< 0.01) and lower extremities abnormalities (χ2 = 4.17, p< 0.05). There was no significant difference between abnormalities of lower extremities and upper extremities abnormality (χ2=2.14,P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a high incidence of body abnormalities among bodybuilders and this should be regarded as a threatening situation on behalf of bodybuilding trainers. Thus instructors should design standard training programs to prevent their trainees from such abnormalities. Further studies may concentrate on the causes of these abnormalities.   Keywords: Abnormality, Bodybuilder