Even though rest-pause training helps you lift heavier, it doesn’t make your muscles bigger than regular training—meaning strength and muscle growth might be controlled by different things.
Scientific Claim
In resistance-trained males, the magnitude of strength gains from rest-pause training is not mirrored by equivalent hypertrophic gains, suggesting that strength and muscle size may be influenced by different training mechanisms.
Original Statement
“Our findings suggest that RP promotes slightly superior strength-related improvements compared with TRT, but hypertrophic adaptations are similar between conditions.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The authors appropriately infer a mechanistic distinction based on divergent outcomes. Probability language is required due to small sample and lack of direct physiological measurements.
More Accurate Statement
“In resistance-trained males, the magnitude of strength gains from rest-pause training is likely not mirrored by equivalent hypertrophic gains, suggesting that strength and muscle size may be influenced by different training mechanisms.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Rest-pause and drop-set training elicit similar strength and hypertrophy adaptations compared to traditional sets in resistance-trained males.
This study found that rest-pause training made people stronger than regular training, but didn’t make their muscles grow any bigger than regular training did — meaning strength and muscle size don’t always change together.