Both the pause method and the heavy-lift method cause the same amount of muscle cell leakage into the blood after a workout — meaning neither one causes more muscle damage than the other.
Scientific Claim
In trained men, plasma myoglobin levels rise similarly after both the 'zero point' and traditional bench press methods, indicating no significant difference in acute muscle damage between the two protocols.
Original Statement
“There was no interaction for the myoglobin F(3, 42) = 2.26, p = 0.09, while a main effect of time was observed F(3, 42) = 5.10, p = 0.004... For the traditional and the 'zero point' RE sessions, the Ω2 values were 0.12 (mean) and 0.00 (trivial), respectively.”
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 study design supports measurement of myoglobin, and the null finding is correctly reported. No causal language is used, aligning with evidence strength.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Acute Effect of the “Zero Point” Method on Muscle Thickness and Muscle Damage in Trained Men
Both ways of doing bench presses caused the same amount of muscle damage, as shown by similar levels of a protein (myoglobin) in the blood after exercise.