Both workout methods make your muscles equally sore the next day — neither one leaves you feeling more achy than the other.
Scientific Claim
In trained men, pressure pain thresholds (algometry) decrease similarly after both the 'zero point' and traditional bench press methods, indicating comparable levels of delayed-onset muscle soreness.
Original Statement
“There was no interaction for the deltoid muscle, PM clavicular and external portions, and triceps brachii lateral head algometry... However, a main effect of time was observed... The 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h moments were significantly lower when compared to the pre-exercise moment.”
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 repeated measures design supports comparison of pain thresholds. The null finding is appropriately reported without overinterpretation.
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—whether using lighter weights with more reps or heavier weights with fewer reps—made the guys equally sore afterward, as measured by how much their muscles hurt when pressed.