Training, Nutritional and Anabolic Steroid Practices During a Bodybuilder's Off-Season Phase and Their Effects on Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Body Composition: A Case Study

This case study documented the training and nutritional practices of a 21-year-old amateur male bodybuilder during a 9-week off-season period in combination with the use of anabolic androgenic steroids, and their effects on changes in body composition, muscle size and maximal strength. The assessments conducted included B-mode ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness, body composition via air displacement plethysmography, and strength testing via one-repetition maximum. The participant experienced significant increases in body mass (8.2 kg), fat-free mass (6.7 kg), and maximal strength (26.7% in squat, 13.2% in bench press, and 17.6% in deadlift) while maintaining a stable body fat percentage (18%). The study provides insights into the physical adaptations and hypertrophic effects associated with anabolic androgenic steroid use in combination with resistance training and a hypercaloric diet in an off-season bodybuilding phase, highlighting the distinct muscle growth and strength gains compared to drug-free athletes.