People did more total reps with their foot pointed up, but that didn’t make their muscles grow bigger or stronger than the leg with the foot pointed down.
Scientific Claim
During 10 weeks of prone leg curl training, the limb trained in dorsiflexion performed a higher total training volume than the limb trained in plantarflexion, though this did not translate to superior strength or hypertrophy outcomes.
Original Statement
“Interestingly, however, the limb which performed leg curl exercise in a dorsiflexed position performed a higher total training volume.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The abstract directly reports a higher volume in dorsiflexion without claiming causation or superiority. The verb 'performed' is neutral and appropriate for a descriptive finding.
More Accurate Statement
“During 10 weeks of prone leg curl training, the limb trained in dorsiflexion likely performed a higher total training volume than the limb trained in plantarflexion, though this did not translate to superior strength or hypertrophy outcomes.”
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.
Randomized Controlled TrialLevel 1bIn EvidenceCausal effect of ankle position on total training volume during leg curls.
Causal effect of ankle position on total training volume during leg curls.
What This Would Prove
Causal effect of ankle position on total training volume during leg curls.
Ideal Study Design
A within-subject RCT with 30+ trained adults performing 12 weeks of leg curls with randomized ankle positions, measuring total volume (sets × reps × load) per session and per week, with standardized rest intervals and supervision.
Limitation: Does not explain why volume differs—mechanism remains unknown.
Prospective CohortLevel 2bWhether higher volume in dorsiflexion is consistent across different training styles and individuals.
Whether higher volume in dorsiflexion is consistent across different training styles and individuals.
What This Would Prove
Whether higher volume in dorsiflexion is consistent across different training styles and individuals.
Ideal Study Design
A 6-month cohort study tracking 100 resistance-trained individuals who self-select ankle position during leg curls, recording total volume weekly and correlating it with position preference and training history.
Limitation: Cannot control for self-selection bias or training intensity differences.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The study found that even though one leg did more work with the foot pulled up (dorsiflexion), both legs ended up equally strong and muscular — so doing more reps didn’t help more.