Lifting weights through a shorter movement range can build muscle just as well as lifting through a full movement range — no difference in muscle growth.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (2)
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This study found that lifting weights through only part of the motion (but stretching the muscle) built muscle just as well as lifting through the full motion — so you don’t need to go all the way down or up to get strong and big muscles.
The effects of lengthened-partial range of motion resistance training of the limbs on arm and thigh muscle area: A multi-site randomised trial
This study found that lifting weights through a shorter range of motion built muscle just as well as lifting through the full range — so you don’t need to go all the way down or up to get strong and muscular.
Contradicting (2)
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The study found that lifting weights through a full movement range builds more muscle than lifting through a partial range, especially in the legs. So, the idea that both ways build the same muscle isn't supported.
Which ROMs Lead to Rome? A Systematic Review of the Effects of Range of Motion on Muscle Hypertrophy
The study found that lifting weights through a full range of motion usually builds more muscle than lifting through just part of the motion — especially in some muscles — so partial moves aren't always just as good.
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.