By having each person train one leg one way and the other leg another way, the study made sure that differences in people’s bodies didn’t mess up the results—so we can be sure it’s the training method, not the person, that matters.

Scientific Claim

In well-trained men, the use of a within-subject, contralateral leg design with volume equilibration effectively isolates the effects of training method on muscular adaptations, minimizing inter-individual variability and providing high internal validity for comparisons between resistance training protocols.

Original Statement

“Participants had one leg fixed in the TRAD while the contralateral leg performed either CP or DS to allow for TTV equalization.”

From study:Crescent pyramid and drop-set systems do not promote greater strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, and changes on muscle architecture compared with traditional resistance training in well-trained men

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

definitive

Can make definitive causal claims

Assessment Explanation

The study explicitly describes and justifies the within-subject design, which is a recognized gold standard for minimizing variability. The claim accurately reflects this design feature.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Crescent pyramid and drop-set systems do not promote greater strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, and changes on muscle architecture compared with traditional resistance training in well-trained men

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2017 Feb

Scientists tested three different workout styles on each person’s left and right leg, making sure all legs did the same total amount of work. Since the results were the same no matter the style, they could be sure the differences in workout type—not individual differences—were what mattered.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Crescent pyramid and drop-set systems do not promote greater strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, and changes on muscle architecture compared with traditional resistance training in well-trained men

Score: 54

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3529-1

Similar Assertions

If you’re already strong and trained, you don’t need fancy workout tricks like pyramids or going to failure to get the best results—just do the same total work with any method.

75%

When people train just one leg with heavy weights, their thigh muscles get bigger and stronger—and this method works well for studying how different rest times affect muscle growth.

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Whether you lift weights using a pyramid, go to failure, or stick to a standard routine, if you do the same total amount of work, your leg strength improves by about the same amount—around 25%—after 12 weeks.

71%

By training both legs of the same person—one with short breaks, one with long breaks—the study made sure differences weren’t due to people being naturally different, making the results more reliable.

70%