After a really tough leg workout, trained men feel weak and tired for about 3 days, but by day 6, they start feeling better than they did before the workout.

Scientific Claim

Subjective perception of physical fitness in strength-trained men remains depressed for up to 3 days after a single session of heavy resistance exercise and is elevated above baseline by day 6, indicating a prolonged recovery timeline for perceived recovery.

Original Statement

“Subjective perception of physical fitness was decreased at days 1-3 (p < 0.05) after the exercise and increased at days 6 and 7 (p < 0.05) after the exercise when compared to the corresponding pre-exercise values.”

From study:Recovery after Heavy Resistance Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Androgen Receptor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Isoform Expression in Strength Trained Men

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim accurately reflects the observed temporal pattern in subjective ratings without implying causation or generalizability. The use of 'is elevated' is appropriate as it describes a measured association in a specific population.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Recovery after Heavy Resistance Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Androgen Receptor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Isoform Expression in Strength Trained Men

Cohort Study

Human

2011 Mar

After a tough weightlifting session, the men felt less fit for several days, and it took about 6 days for them to feel better than before they worked out — which is exactly what the claim says.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Recovery after Heavy Resistance Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Androgen Receptor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Isoform Expression in Strength Trained Men

Score: 30

DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e318202e449

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