The researchers decided ahead of time what size of muscle gain would actually matter — and found the difference between methods was too small to count.
Scientific Claim
The study’s use of a preregistered smallest effect size of interest (0.14 cm) enhances the rigor of its interpretation by distinguishing statistical significance from practical relevance.
Original Statement
“The contrast between conditions was considered practically equivalent as it did not exceed the preregistered smallest effect size of interest (0.14 cm).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
This is a factual description of the study’s methodological choice. No inference is made — it is a direct report of design rigor.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Investigating the Effect of the Tonal Drop Set Mode On Elbow Flexor Hypertrophy
The researchers decided ahead of time that a muscle growth difference smaller than 0.14 cm didn’t matter in real life, and they used that rule to decide what was truly important — not just what looked significant on paper.