People felt like they worked much harder during drop sets than during regular sets, even though they did fewer total sets.

Scientific Claim

Drop set resistance training is associated with a higher rating of perceived exertion (7.7±1.5) compared to conventional three-set training (5.3±1.4) during a single training session in young men.

Original Statement

“...a significant difference (P<0.01) in RPE was observed between groups (7.7±1.5 for DS and 5.3±1.4 for NS).”

From study:Effects of drop set resistance training on acute stress indicators and long-term muscle hypertrophy and strength.

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 correctly describes the observed difference in perceived exertion without implying causation. The verb 'is associated with' is appropriate given the study design.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Effects of drop set resistance training on acute stress indicators and long-term muscle hypertrophy and strength.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

The study found that people felt like they worked much harder during drop set training than during regular three-set training, which is exactly what the claim says.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Effects of drop set resistance training on acute stress indicators and long-term muscle hypertrophy and strength.

Score: 45

DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.17.06838-4

Similar Assertions

Drop sets made guys feel more tired and their muscles puff up more after one workout, but they didn’t make them stronger in the long run than regular sets.

87%

After one workout, guys who did drop sets were temporarily weaker than before, more so than those who did regular sets.

85%

After just one workout, drop sets made muscles swell more and temporarily made guys weaker than before, while regular sets didn’t cause these changes.

84%

Drop sets made muscles puff up more and felt harder, but didn’t make the body produce more lactic acid or raise the heart rate more than regular sets.

83%

Doing drop sets (lifting heavy, then lighter weights without rest) builds strength just as well as doing regular sets with the same total weight, at least in young men who already lift weights.

80%