In physically active young men, six weeks of resistance training three times per week at 60% of one-repetition maximum produces the same increases in muscle size and strength whether using full range...

We analyzed one assertion on this question and found that, in physically active young men, six weeks of resistance training three times per week at 60% of one-repetition maximum led to similar increases in muscle size and strength whether using full or partial range of motion [1]. This single piece of evidence suggests that, under these specific conditions, the range of motion used may not significantly change outcomes. We don’t have enough data to say whether this holds true for other populations, such as older adults, beginners, or those training at higher intensities. We also don’t know if longer training periods, different exercises, or varied loads would produce the same result. The evidence we’ve reviewed so far is limited to one study setup: young, active men, moderate intensity, six weeks, three sessions per week. It’s possible that full range of motion could still offer benefits in joint health, mobility, or muscle activation that weren’t measured in this study. But based on what we’ve seen, muscle growth and strength gains appeared comparable between the two methods in this context. For someone training in the gym, this means that if you’re short on time or have mobility limits, using partial movements at moderate loads might still help you build muscle and get stronger — at least in the short term. But if you can move through a full range safely, there’s no clear reason to avoid it. What we’ve found so far is narrow, and more research could change this picture.