The more sets you do, the harder you feel you worked and the less recovered you feel afterward — especially if you do a lot.

Scientific Claim

In trained males, the relationship between training volume and perceptual responses (RPE, PRS) is dose-dependent, with the highest volume (21 sets) producing the most pronounced changes in effort and recovery perception.

Original Statement

“PRS and RPE were significantly affected by training volume (p < 0.05), particularly in the 21-SETS condition, which induced higher RPE and lower PRS than the other conditions.”

From study:Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

overstated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The term 'dose-dependent' implies a mechanistic, causal relationship, which cannot be confirmed without randomization and control for confounders.

More Accurate Statement

“In trained males, the relationship between training volume and perceptual responses (RPE, PRS) is associated with a graded response, with the highest volume (21 sets) producing the most pronounced changes in effort and recovery perception.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Cross-Sectional Study

Human

2026 Jan 21

The more sets the guys did, the more tired they felt and the less recovered they thought they were — and doing 21 sets made them feel the worst, which is exactly what the claim says.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Score: 37

DOI: 10.1055/a-2791-5145

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