Muscle size and strength don’t grow the same way when you lift more — strength hits a ceiling faster than muscle size, meaning they’re probably controlled by different biological processes.
Scientific Claim
The dose-response relationship between weekly resistance training volume and muscle hypertrophy differs from that with strength, with strength showing more rapid diminishing returns, indicating that the physiological mechanisms underlying these adaptations may respond differently to volume increases.
Original Statement
“The dose–response relationship between volume and hypertrophy appears to differ from that with strength, with the latter exhibiting more pronounced diminishing returns.”
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 reflects the study’s comparative analysis of dose-response curves using probabilistic modeling. No causal language is used, and the distinction is supported by model fit comparisons.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The Resistance Training Dose Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gains
More lifting builds bigger muscles and stronger muscles, but after a while, adding more sets helps strength less than it helps muscle growth — meaning your muscles and strength respond differently to extra work.