After doing a hard arm workout twice, four weeks apart, people feel stronger sooner the second time—even though they did the same amount of work.
Scientific Claim
Following a second bout of maximal eccentric elbow flexor contractions, untrained men exhibit significantly smaller reductions in maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength at 1 day postexercise compared to the first bout, indicating faster functional recovery.
Original Statement
“MVC torque decreased significantly immediately after exercise by ~50% in both bouts, but recovered significantly faster following ECC2 when compared with ECC1.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study shows association between the second bout and faster recovery, but cannot prove the second bout caused the recovery due to lack of confirmed randomization and blinding.
More Accurate Statement
“In untrained men, a second bout of maximal eccentric elbow flexor contractions 4 weeks after the first is associated with significantly smaller reductions in maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength at 1 day postexercise compared to the first bout.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Reduced muscle lengthening during eccentric contractions as a mechanism underpinning the repeated-bout effect.
After doing the same arm exercise twice, four weeks apart, the men’s muscles got less sore and weaker the second time — meaning they bounced back faster, because their muscles didn’t stretch as much during the second workout.