Most of the research on how much to lift and how often was done on young men who already train—so we don’t know if the same rules apply to women, older people, or beginners.
Scientific Claim
The effects of resistance training volume and frequency on muscle hypertrophy and strength are primarily observed in young, male, trained populations, limiting generalizability to other demographics.
Original Statement
“67 total studies of 2058 participants (79.1% male, 20.9% female; average age 25.16 ± 5.22 years). All models were adjusted for the duration of the intervention and training status.”
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 accurately describes the demographic composition of the included studies without implying broader applicability, aligning with the evidence.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
The Resistance Training Dose Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gains.
This study looked at many different people — not just young men — and found that lifting more weights helps build muscle and strength for most people, not just a specific group.