The Claim

In untrained young men, performing three sets per exercise during resistance training for 11 weeks results in a 16% increase in peak isokinetic knee-extension torque, which is significantly greater than the 8% increase observed with one set per exercise.

Source: DISSIMILAR EFFECTS OF ONE‐ AND THREE‐SET STRENGTH TRAINING ON STRENGTH AND MUSCLE MASS GAINS IN UPPER AND LOWER BODY IN UNTRAINED SUBJECTS

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
54score
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

In untrained young men, doing three sets of leg exercises per session for 11 weeks leads to a 16% increase in maximum knee extension strength, while doing one set leads to an 8% increase.

See the scientific wording

In untrained young men, training with three sets per exercise for 11 weeks increases peak isokinetic knee-extension torque by 16%, significantly more than the 8% increase observed with one set per exercise, suggesting that higher training volume enhances neuromuscular performance in the quadriceps.

Why this might work

Doing more sets of leg exercises causes muscle fibers to grow thicker, which lets them produce more force when contracting, resulting in stronger knee extensions.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: DISSIMILAR EFFECTS OF ONE‐ AND THREE‐SET STRENGTH TRAINING ON STRENGTH AND MUSCLE MASS GAINS IN UPPER AND LOWER BODY IN UNTRAINED SUBJECTS

    In guys who never lifted weights before, doing three sets of leg exercises for 11 weeks made their knee strength grow much more than doing just one set—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.