The strength gains from this study are about what you’d expect from regular weight training—whether you rest a little or a lot—so rest time doesn’t seem to change how much stronger you get.
Scientific Claim
In untrained young men, the magnitude of strength gain from volume-equated resistance training with 20-second or 2-minute rest intervals is similar to previously reported gains in similar populations, suggesting that rest duration does not substantially alter the overall responsiveness to training.
Original Statement
“SHORT = 42.4%; LONG = 41.5% (strength); References include Schoenfeld et al. (2016, 2021), Grgic et al. (2018), and others reporting similar gains.”
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 claim references the study’s own data and cites literature for context without overextending. It accurately reflects the alignment of results with prior findings.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
When two groups of guys lifted weights with either short or long breaks between sets—but did the same total amount of work—their strength increased by almost the same amount, so how long you rest doesn’t really matter if you’re doing the same total lifting.