Pulling or squatting as hard as you can from a static position doesn’t get weaker after either type of heavy lifting session.

Scientific Claim

Isometric mid-thigh pull and isometric squat performance are not significantly affected by either high-volume or high-intensity resistance exercise protocols in trained men at any time point up to 72 hours post-exercise.

Original Statement

“Performance [counter movement jump peak power (CMJP), isokinetic (ISOK) and isometric leg extension (MVIC), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and isometric squat (ISQ)]... were assessed... no differences were noted following HI... [MVIC was impaired]... IMTP and ISQ were not reported as significantly altered.”

From study:Comparison of the recovery response from high-intensity and high-volume resistance exercise in trained men

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

definitive

Can make definitive causal claims

Assessment Explanation

The claim reflects the absence of reported significant changes in IMTP and ISQ, which is consistent with the data. No overstatement is present.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (0)

No supporting evidence found

Contradicting (1)

Comparison of the recovery response from high-intensity and high-volume resistance exercise in trained men

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2017 Jul

The study found that after intense weight training, two specific isometric tests (mid-thigh pull and isometric squat) didn’t get weaker in trained men, even 72 hours later — which matches the claim. But other strength tests did drop, so it’s not true for all types of strength.

Source Study

Comparison of the recovery response from high-intensity and high-volume resistance exercise in trained men

Score: 46

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-017-3598-9

Similar Assertions

Even if you’re already strong—squatting almost twice your body weight—adding more sets will make you stronger, but won’t make your muscles grow more than doing a moderate amount.

74%

Whether you rest 1 minute or 2.5 minutes between sets, your strength gains in squat and bench press end up being about the same after 10 weeks of training.

73%

If you're already experienced with weightlifting, doing rest-pause sets (short breaks between reps) for 8 weeks might help you lift a little more weight in squats than doing regular sets, but not better than drop sets.

73%

No matter which way you train—rest-pause, drop sets, or regular sets—if you do the same total amount of work for 8 weeks, your upper and middle thighs grow about the same.

73%

If you lift weights twice a week for 8 weeks and do the same total amount of work, your upper and middle thighs will get thicker — no matter what fancy technique you use.

73%