The muscle growth from drop sets was noticeably bigger than from regular sets, based on how scientists measure the size of the effect.

Scientific Claim

The effect size for muscle hypertrophy from drop set training (ES=0.47) is moderate, while the effect size from conventional training (ES=0.25) is small, suggesting a potentially meaningful difference in hypertrophic response in young men.

Original Statement

“Both groups showed significant increases in triceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) (10.0±3.7%, effect size (ES) =0.47 for DS and 5.1±2.1%, ES=0.25 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 accurately reports and interprets effect sizes without implying causation. The language appropriately reflects association and magnitude.

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 doing one set of drop training made muscles grow more than doing three regular sets, and the numbers show this difference is real and meaningful.

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

When you train to near failure, doing drop sets doesn’t make your muscles grow bigger than doing regular sets — both methods build muscle about the same in young men.

85%

Even if you do the same total amount of work, drop sets don’t make your muscles grow more than regular sets — whether you match the weight lifted or not, the results are about the same.

83%

When you train your quads, drop sets don’t make the outer thigh muscle grow more than regular sets — both methods make it grow about the same.

81%

Both drop sets and regular weightlifting make your muscles bigger — and both work pretty well, even if you're just starting out.

81%

All the research so far is on young, experienced male lifters — we don’t know if drop sets work the same for women, older people, or beginners.

80%