The Claim

In resistance-trained young men, 8 weeks of volume-equated high- or low-repetition daily undulating periodization results in no significant increase in muscle thickness at the mid-portion of the lateral quadriceps, regardless of the training scheme.

Source: Volume-equated high- and low-repetition daily undulating programming strategies produce similar hypertrophy and strength adaptations.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
45score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

After 8 weeks of different types of weight training with the same total workload, muscle thickness in the middle of the outer thigh does not change in young men who are already trained in resistance exercise.

See the scientific wording

In resistance-trained young men, muscle thickness does not significantly increase in the mid-portion of the lateral quadriceps after 8 weeks of volume-equated high- or low-repetition daily undulating periodization, regardless of training scheme.

Why this might work

In already trained muscles, the rate at which new muscle proteins are made and old ones are replaced reaches a maximum limit. Adding more training volume or changing how heavy or light the weights are does not push this limit higher, so the muscle does not grow thicker.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Volume-equated high- and low-repetition daily undulating programming strategies produce similar hypertrophy and strength adaptations.

    In young men who already lift weights, doing either heavy or light lifts for 8 weeks didn’t make the middle part of their outer thigh get thicker—no matter how they structured their workouts.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.