Do bodybuilders pose symmetrically? Lateral bias analysis in mandatory poses of Mr. Olympia Classic Physique athletes.

Abstract

Athletes in bodybuilding can pose favouring one side or the other of the body while being evaluated in the contests. While previous research assessed lateral bias of posing in a variety of situations, no investigation has been conducted in bodybuilding. We analyzed the lateral posing bias of the Top 15 athletes for the mandatory poses in Classic Physique Mr. Olympias (2016-2023). Results revealed a general bias to the right in all poses, as either moderately or strongly right-lateralized poses were most frequent. Furthermore, "Front Double Biceps" pose was the most symmetrical, while "Your Favorite Classic Pose" was the most asymmetrical one-apart from the always lateralized "Side Chest". Interestingly, lower-placed athletes (Top 15) posed significantly more often to the right in "Side Chest", as compared to the Top 5 and Top 10 competitors. These findings contrast the left bias shown in portraiture and photography literature, likely as a consequence of motor constraints and coordination for athletes to pose to the right, along with the level of emotional expressiveness a bodybuilder may wish to reveal on stage. Our data expand previous results of posing asymmetry to the sport of bodybuilding in this pioneering research into the lateral bias of posing.