If there was no study before showing that increased muscle mass showed improved athletic ability I guess the study was merited how f-ing stupid it may sound...
Because you could draw that conclusion from just observational studys. Like why do 100m sprinters have high lean bodymass. Well obviously since it increases muscle strength and output. Why do all strength athletes have high bodymass. Because it increases their ability.. Why do we have weightclasses in sports, because it increases output and power.
Never the less the study seems badly made and not sure if he even actually used a group to test on or if he made it up in the tables. The whole PHD seems like something unmotivated high schooler would make for an exam at like 15...