Doing more sets of leg exercises makes you lift more total weight in one session, but doesn’t make you stronger right after or cause your muscles to swell longer.
Scientific Claim
In trained males, resistance training volume load increases significantly from 7 to 14 and 21 sets per session, with no further increase in performance (10RM) or muscle swelling (MT/EI) despite higher volume.
Original Statement
“The 14 and 21-SETS conditions resulted in greater volume load (VL) (p < 0.05). No condition or condition-by-time effects were observed for MT, EI, or 10RM-VL (p > 0.05).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The phrase 'resulted in' implies causation, but the design is observational and lacks confirmed randomization, so only association can be claimed.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.
Even when guys did way more squats, they didn’t get stronger or more swollen afterward—just more tired.