How often you train matters more for getting stronger than for getting bigger muscles — muscle size doesn’t seem to care much, but strength does.
Scientific Claim
The dose-response relationship between weekly resistance training frequency and muscle hypertrophy differs from that with strength, as only strength shows a consistently identifiable positive association, suggesting frequency may be a more relevant variable for strength than muscle growth.
Original Statement
“The dose–response relationship between frequency and hypertrophy appears to differ from that with strength, as only the latter exhibits consistently identifiable effects.”
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 claim uses precise probabilistic language ('consistently identifiable effects') derived from posterior probabilities and correctly avoids causal verbs. It accurately reflects the differential findings.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The Resistance Training Dose Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gains
This study found that doing resistance training more often each week helps you get stronger, but doesn’t necessarily make your muscles bigger — so frequency matters more for strength than for muscle growth.