The Claim
After 8 weeks of training, eccentric resistance training is associated with greater increases in elbow flexor muscle thickness compared to concentric resistance training in untrained young adults, suggesting that eccentric contractions may be more effective for inducing muscle hypertrophy in this population.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
If you're new to lifting weights, doing exercises where you lower the weight slowly (eccentric) might make your biceps grow bigger than exercises where you lift the weight up (concentric), after 8 weeks of training.
See the scientific wording
Eccentric resistance training is associated with greater increases in elbow flexor muscle thickness compared to concentric resistance training in untrained young adults after 8 weeks of training, suggesting eccentric contractions may be more effective for inducing muscle hypertrophy in this population.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: The effects of eccentric and concentric training at different velocities on muscle hypertrophy
This study had people train their arms using two types of lifting: pushing up (concentric) and lowering slowly (eccentric). After 8 weeks, the arms that did the slow-lowering exercises got noticeably thicker, proving that eccentric training builds muscle better in beginners.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.