Doing single-leg lunges with a special machine for six weeks made the inner thigh and inner knee muscles grow more than doing regular squats with both legs.

Scientific Claim

Six weeks of unilateral eccentric-overload training using a flywheel device is associated with greater increases in adductor magnus (11.1%) and vastus medialis (12.6%) muscle volume compared to bilateral training in young male team sport athletes, suggesting unilateral movements may preferentially target hip adductor and medial quadriceps musculature.

Original Statement

“The UG obtained an increase of adductor major (+11.1%) and vastus medialis (+12.6%) higher than BG.”

From study:The effects of unilateral and bilateral eccentric overload training on hypertrophy, muscle power and COD performance, and its determinants, in team sport players

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

overstated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study lacks confirmed randomization, so causal language like 'induces' or 'is more effective' is inappropriate. Only associations between training type and muscle changes can be claimed.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

The effects of unilateral and bilateral eccentric overload training on hypertrophy, muscle power and COD performance, and its determinants, in team sport players

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2018

This study found that doing single-leg lunges with a special machine made the inner thigh and inner knee muscles grow more than doing regular squats with both legs, proving that one-legged exercises can better target those specific muscles.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

The effects of unilateral and bilateral eccentric overload training on hypertrophy, muscle power and COD performance, and its determinants, in team sport players

Score: 46

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193841

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