The Claim

In untrained young men, 12 weeks of pec deck resistance training increases pectoralis major clavicular muscle thickness by approximately 17–18% and sternocostal thickness by approximately 21%, regardless of whether one or three sets are performed per session.

Source: Pectoralis Clavicular and Sternocostal Thicknesses Increase Similarly in Response to One and Three Sets of Pec Deck Resistance Training in Untrained Young Men

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
25score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

If you're a young guy who hasn't trained before and you do pec deck exercises for 12 weeks, your chest muscles will get thicker—about 17–18% thicker in the upper part and 21% thicker in the lower part—no matter if you do just one set or three sets each workout.

See the scientific wording

In untrained young men, 12 weeks of pec deck resistance training increases pectoralis major clavicular muscle thickness by approximately 17–18% and sternocostal thickness by approximately 21%, regardless of whether one or three sets are performed per session.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Pectoralis Clavicular and Sternocostal Thicknesses Increase Similarly in Response to One and Three Sets of Pec Deck Resistance Training in Untrained Young Men

    The study found that doing either one or three sets of pec deck exercises for 12 weeks made the chest muscles grow by about the same amount — exactly what the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.