Author(s): SILVEIRA, T., ALMEIDA, G., JUNIOR, N., JOÃO, G., JUNIOR, A., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE SÃO JUDAS TADEU, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 243

INTRODUCTION:
Training volume (TV) and frequency (TF) among female bodybuilders increased over recent decades, requiring more individualized and category-specific approaches to hypertrophy (1). Despite the growing visibility of female bodybuilding, scientific evidences how TV differs across competitive categories and preparation phases, particularly off-season and pre-contest, remains limited. Aesthetic criteria, muscular symmetry and regional development vary among divisions, directly influencing TV and TF. PURPOSE: Compare weekly strength TV by muscle group among female bodybuilding athletes from off-season to pre-contest phases.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional observational study was conducted with thirty-five female athletes from different federations (IFBB-SP, SPFF, NPC, and others) competing in Wellness (WL), Bikini (BK), Women’s Physique (WP), and Figure (FG) categories. Participants completed a questionnaire with: (a) competitive category; (b) training session structure; (c) types and number of exercises; (d) number of sets; (e) TV per exercise and per muscle group (MG); (f) weekly TF per MG; and (g) frequency and duration of cardiorespiratory training. Data were analyzed (mean ± SD and median); Normality was assessed (Shapiro–Wilk test). Groups comparisons (Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests), and post hoc Nemenyi analysis when applicable (α = 0.05). Effect size and statistical power (80%, df = 4) were calculated (R software;v. 3.6.0).
RESULTS:
Gluteal and quadriceps MG were the most TF across categories. WL athletes, gluteal TV remained unchanged between phases (Δ0%), whereas WP showed increase during pre-contest (Δ63.64%); BK showed substantial reduction (Δ−51.61%); WP demonstrated increases in TV (gluteal;Δ63.64%), quadriceps (Δ76.47%), and abdominal (Δ300%) MG. BK showed stability (<Δ7%) in upper-body TV, except deltoids (Δ100%), paravertebral muscles (Δ60%), and abdominals (Δ25%). WL exhibited the greatest stability across phases for lower limbs, abdominals, paravertebral muscles, with the highest variation in the triceps surae (Δ8.33%). BK and WL presented the lowest TV (biceps; triceps), with reductions across both phases. Cardiorespiratory training, BK increased TF (Δ75%) and session duration (Δ50%) (p=0.04). WL maintained high TF with individual increases in duration, while WP doubled session duration during pre-contest (Δ100%).
CONCLUSION:
WP exhibited the most pronounced increases in resistance-TV, reflecting greater muscular and aesthetic demands. WL demonstrated more balanced and consistent training patterns. Category-specific differences in TV were observed according to preparation period and MG. Most categories increased resistance-TV and cardiovascular workload during pre-contest, with weekly TF generally consistent with literature (1–2 sessions per muscle group per week). These findings highlight the importance of longitudinal monitoring to optimize performance and support evidence-based periodization in female bodybuilding.