Measuring thigh muscle thickness with ultrasound near the top and middle of the thigh is a good way to see if your muscles are growing from training—but measuring near the knee might not show it.

Scientific Claim

Muscle thickness measurements via ultrasound at proximal and middle sites of the lateral thigh are reliable indicators of hypertrophic response to resistance training in resistance-trained males, while distal measurements may be less sensitive.

Original Statement

“A significant main effect of time was revealed for MT at the proximal (P = 0.0001) and middle (P = 0.0001) aspects of the lateral thigh... the distal portion did not show a time effect (P = 0.190).”

From study:Rest-pause and drop-set training elicit similar strength and hypertrophy adaptations compared to traditional sets in resistance-trained males.

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

probability

Can suggest probability/likelihood

Assessment Explanation

The differential response across sites is clearly reported. Probability language is appropriate due to small sample and lack of validation of measurement precision.

More Accurate Statement

“Muscle thickness measurements via ultrasound at proximal and middle sites of the lateral thigh are likely reliable indicators of hypertrophic response to resistance training in resistance-trained males, while distal measurements may be less sensitive.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Rest-pause and drop-set training elicit similar strength and hypertrophy adaptations compared to traditional sets in resistance-trained males.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2021 Nov

The study found that the upper and middle parts of the thigh got bigger after training, but the lower part didn’t—so measuring the upper and middle parts is better for telling if muscles are growing.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Rest-pause and drop-set training elicit similar strength and hypertrophy adaptations compared to traditional sets in resistance-trained males.

Score: 54

DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0278

Similar Assertions

The lower part of the thigh doesn't get noticeably bigger after 8 weeks of any of these training styles, even if the upper and middle parts do—meaning muscles don't grow evenly everywhere.

83%

The lower part of your thigh doesn’t grow as much from weight training as the upper and middle parts—even if you train hard and use fancy techniques.

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If you lift weights twice a week for 8 weeks and do the same total amount of work, your upper and middle thighs will get thicker — no matter what fancy technique you use.

78%

After 8 weeks of any kind of weight training, the lower part of the thigh doesn’t get noticeably thicker—even though the upper and middle parts do.

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No matter which way you train—rest-pause, drop sets, or regular sets—if you do the same total amount of work for 8 weeks, your upper and middle thighs grow about the same.

76%