The researchers made sure everyone did the exact same total amount of work—same number of reps, same weights—so any differences in results could only be because of how they did the workout, not how much they lifted.

Scientific Claim

In well-trained men, the total training volume (TTV) was successfully equated across crescent pyramid, drop-set, and traditional resistance training protocols, as confirmed by matched sets, repetitions, and load, ensuring that differences in outcomes were attributable to training structure rather than volume.

Original Statement

“Each leg was trained for 12 weeks... to allow for TTV equalization.”

From study:Crescent pyramid and drop-set systems do not promote greater strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, and changes on muscle architecture compared with traditional resistance training in well-trained men

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

definitive

Can make definitive causal claims

Assessment Explanation

The study clearly describes the TTV matching procedure and provides sufficient detail to confirm equivalence. This is a core methodological strength and is appropriately stated.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Crescent pyramid and drop-set systems do not promote greater strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, and changes on muscle architecture compared with traditional resistance training in well-trained men

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2017 Feb

The study trained people’s legs three different ways but made sure all ways involved the same total amount of lifting. Since all methods led to the same results, the differences in how they were done (not how much was lifted) must be what mattered.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Crescent pyramid and drop-set systems do not promote greater strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, and changes on muscle architecture compared with traditional resistance training in well-trained men

Score: 54

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3529-1

Similar Assertions

If you lift the same total weight no matter how you arrange your sets—pyramid, failure, or regular—you’ll get the same results. Fancy methods don’t make you stronger or bigger if you’re already trained.

79%

Whether you lift weights using a pyramid, go to failure, or stick to a standard routine, if you do the same total amount of work, your leg strength improves by about the same amount—around 25%—after 12 weeks.

74%

If you’re already strong and trained, you don’t need fancy workout tricks like pyramids or going to failure to get the best results—just do the same total work with any method.

73%