The Claim

Four weeks of progressive calisthenic push-up training has no significant effect on pectoralis major muscle thickness in healthy, moderately trained men, even though it leads to significant gains in strength.

Source: Effect of Progressive Calisthenic Push-up Training on Muscle Strength and Thickness

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
46score
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

Doing push-ups for four weeks won’t make your chest muscles thicker, even if you get stronger at doing them.

See the scientific wording

Four weeks of progressive calisthenic push-up training does not significantly increase pectoralis major muscle thickness in healthy, moderately trained men, despite significant strength gains.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of Progressive Calisthenic Push-up Training on Muscle Strength and Thickness

    The study found that doing progressive push-ups for four weeks made men stronger but didn’t make their chest muscles thicker — which is 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.