The Claim

In adults over 60 years of age, an increase in resistance training frequency by one day per week is associated with a small increase in maximal strength effect size of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.21), but there is no significant association between training frequency and muscle hypertrophy.

Source: A meta-regression of the effects of resistance training frequency on muscular strength and hypertrophy in adults over 60 years of age

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
39score
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.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

For people over 60, adding one extra day of weight training each week might help them get a little stronger, but it won’t make their muscles noticeably bigger.

See the scientific wording

In adults over 60 years of age, increasing resistance training frequency by one day per week is associated with a small increase in maximal strength effect size of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.21), but no significant association is observed between training frequency and muscle hypertrophy.

Why this might work

Doing resistance training one extra day a week makes the nervous system better at activating more muscle fibers during effort, which makes the person stronger, but it doesn't cause the muscle fibers to grow larger.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: A meta-regression of the effects of resistance training frequency on muscular strength and hypertrophy in adults over 60 years of age

    For people over 60, doing weight training one extra day a week helps them get a little stronger, but doesn’t make their muscles noticeably bigger — and this study proves it with solid data.

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.