After six weeks, guys who did regular three-set workouts got stronger in their triceps more than those who did drop sets, even though both groups improved.
Scientific Claim
Drop set resistance training is associated with a 16.1±12.1% increase in 12-repetition maximum strength in the triceps after 6 weeks in young men, while conventional three-set training is associated with a 25.2±17.5% increase.
Original Statement
“Strength increased in both groups (16.1±12.1%, ES=0.88 for DS and 25.2±17.5%, ES=1.34 for NS).”
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 does not establish causation due to unconfirmed randomization. The claim as written implies a direct comparison of effectiveness, but only association can be inferred.
More Accurate Statement
“Drop set resistance training is associated with a 16.1±12.1% increase in triceps 12-repetition maximum strength after 6 weeks in young men, while conventional three-set training is associated with a 25.2±17.5% increase.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Effects of drop set resistance training on acute stress indicators and long-term muscle hypertrophy and strength.
The study found that regular three-set training made triceps 25% stronger, while drop sets made them 16% stronger — exactly what the claim says.