Even though one method uses lighter weights with pauses and more reps, and the other uses heavier weights with fewer reps, both make the muscles equally tired in terms of lactic acid buildup.
Scientific Claim
In trained men, blood lactate levels increase similarly after both the 'zero point' and traditional bench press protocols, suggesting comparable metabolic stress despite differences in load and repetition structure.
Original Statement
“There was no interaction for the lactate F(1, 56) = 0.80, p = 0.37, while a main effect of time was observed F(1, 56) = 562.83, p = 0.001. The lactate levels were higher in the moment after compared to the moment pre-exercise.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The RCT design allows for direct comparison of lactate, but lack of blinding and small sample limit causal inference. 'Similar' is appropriately used.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Acute Effect of the “Zero Point” Method on Muscle Thickness and Muscle Damage in Trained Men
Even though one way of doing bench presses used lighter weights and more reps, and the other used heavier weights and fewer reps, both made the muscles produce the same amount of lactic acid—meaning they stressed the body in similar ways.