Most of the people in these studies were young men who didn’t lift weights before — so we don’t know if the results apply to women, older people, or bodybuilders.
Scientific Claim
The majority of participants in the included studies were young, untrained males, with only one study including females and one including resistance-trained individuals, limiting applicability to women, older adults, or trained populations.
Original Statement
“Four studies included only males as study participants, while one study utilized a sample comprising of females. Four studies included untrained participants; only one included resistance-trained individuals.”
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 is a direct, accurate summary of participant demographics reported in the study. No causal or generalizing language is used, and it matches the authors’ own transparency.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The Effects of Low-Load Vs. High-Load Resistance Training on Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy: A Meta-Analysis
The study didn’t look at women, older people, or trained folks much, and the authors say we need more research — which means we can’t be sure the results apply to everyone.