Research
Cellular
The implementation of a carb deplete and carb load peaking strategy acutely increased muscle thickness and may be a viable precontest approach to maximize muscular aesthetics.
Practitioners may consider carb manipulation strategies to enhance muscle aesthetics before competitions.
StrongSupportsmedium confidence
The implementation of a carb deplete and carb load peaking strategy acutely increased MT and thus may be a viable precontest approach to maximize muscular aesthetics.
Why this rating
Based on the prospective case study design.
Source
Alterations in Body Composition, Resting Metabolic Rate, Muscular Strength, and Eating Behavior in Response to Natural Bodybuilding Competition Preparation: A Case Study
Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2020
DOI 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003816
case_studyCited 57×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Body fat was reduced to very low levels (∼5%) immediately before competition, but this corresponded with a loss of lean mass.Strong
- Alterations in metabolism, hormonal status, explosive strength, and psychological aspects of eating were observed during precontest preparation; however, all of these variables recovered quickly postcompetition.Strong
Related findings · Cellular
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