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.
Scientific Claim
In untrained young men, the within-subject design of a 10-week resistance training study comparing 20-second and 2-minute rest intervals successfully controlled for individual variability in muscle growth and strength responses, enabling precise within-person comparisons.
Original Statement
“In a within-subject design, 17 untrained young men... completed unilateral knee-extension resistance training... with either LONG... or SHORT rests.”
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 claim accurately describes the study design without implying causation. The use of within-subject design is a methodological fact reported in the study.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Each guy did two different workout routines — one with short breaks and one with long breaks — and the study compared how their own muscles grew and got stronger in each, which makes the results more accurate because it removes differences between people.