The Claim
In well-trained young men performing resistance training to failure for 8 weeks, low-load training (25-35 repetitions per set) causes similar increases in muscle thickness of the elbow flexors, elbow extensors, and quadriceps femoris as high-load training (8-12 repetitions per set), with no significant differences between groups.
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 young men who are already fit and lift weights until they can't anymore, doing lots of lighter reps builds muscle just as well as doing fewer heavy reps over 8 weeks.
See the scientific wording
In well-trained young men performing resistance training to failure for 8 weeks, low-load training (25-35 repetitions per set) causes similar increases in muscle thickness of the elbow flexors (8.6%), elbow extensors (5.2%), and quadriceps femoris (9.5%) as high-load training (8-12 repetitions per set), which increased thickness by 5.3%, 6.0%, and 9.3%, respectively, with no significant differences between groups.
What the research says
1 studyThe study looked at the same type of training as the claim and found that both low and high weights made muscles grow about the same amount, just like the claim says.
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.