The Claim
Increasing resistance training volume from approximately 40 to 60 sets per week for 7 weeks does not result in greater muscle hypertrophy in trained male athletes, as measured by ultrasound-determined thickness of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
For trained male athletes, increasing resistance training from 40 to 60 sets per week for seven weeks does not lead to larger muscle size in the thigh and hamstring muscles, as measured by ultrasound.
See the scientific wording
Increasing resistance training volume from approximately 40 to 60 sets per week for 7 weeks does not lead to greater muscle hypertrophy in trained male athletes, as measured by ultrasound-determined thickness of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris, suggesting that very high volumes may not provide additional anabolic stimulus beyond a moderate threshold in this population.
When muscles are trained intensely, the signal that tells them to grow becomes fully turned on. Doing even more workouts doesn’t turn it up any further because the system is already at its maximum capacity, so the muscles stop growing bigger.
What the research says
1 studyFor trained athletes, doing 60 weightlifting sets a week didn’t make their muscles grow any more than doing 40 sets—so more lifting isn’t always better once you’re already trained.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.