Muscle size and strength don’t respond the same way to more training—strength peaks faster, so adding more sets helps muscle growth longer than it helps strength.
Scientific Claim
The dose-response relationship between resistance training volume and strength differs from that with hypertrophy, with strength showing more rapid diminishing returns.
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 uses 'appears to differ' and describes observed model differences, which aligns with the correlational nature of the data and avoids causal language.
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 makes you stronger, but after a while, adding more sets helps strength less than it helps muscle growth — this study proves that strength gains hit a wall faster.