The Claim

Do leg extensions grow the whole front of the thigh, while squats only grow the middle part of a different muscle?

Source: The role of exercise selection in regional Muscle Hypertrophy: A randomized controlled trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
41score
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.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Leg extensions make the whole front of your thigh muscle grow evenly, while squats mainly make the middle part of a different thigh muscle grow.

See the scientific wording

Leg extension exercises may lead to more uniform hypertrophy across proximal, central, and distal regions of the rectus femoris compared to smith machine squats, which primarily stimulate central growth of the vastus lateralis.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: The role of exercise selection in regional Muscle Hypertrophy: A randomized controlled trial

    The study found that leg extensions make the whole front thigh muscle grow evenly, while squats mainly make just the middle part of a different thigh muscle grow — which is 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.