The Claim

In resistance-trained men, there is no significant difference in gluteus maximus electromyographic activation between the leg press and kickback exercises, with an effect size of 0.08 and a p-value of 0.898, indicating that both multi-joint and single-joint hip extension exercises elicit similar levels of recruitment in the primary hip extensor muscle.

Source: Electromyographic Comparison of Five Lower-Limb Muscles between Single- and Multi-Joint Exercises among Trained Men.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
34score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

For guys who lift weights, doing leg presses or kickbacks works the butt muscle just about the same — neither one gives you a bigger advantage in muscle activation.

See the scientific wording

In resistance-trained men, there is no significant difference in gluteus maximus electromyographic activation between the leg press and kickback exercises (effect size = 0.08, p = 0.898), suggesting that both multi- and single-joint hip extension exercises can similarly recruit the primary hip extensor muscle.

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Electromyographic Comparison of Five Lower-Limb Muscles between Single- and Multi-Joint Exercises among Trained Men.

    The study shows that both the leg press and kickback work the gluteus maximus muscle about the same in trained men, just like the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.