The Claim
Concentric-eccentric resistance training and eccentric-only training result in similar increases in concentric strength (14–18%) in untrained young adults after five weeks of training.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
After five weeks of training, untrained young adults who did either combined concentric-eccentric exercises or eccentric-only exercises gained the same amount of concentric strength, between 14% and 18%.
See the scientific wording
Concentric-eccentric resistance training and eccentric-only training produce similar improvements in concentric strength (14–18%) in untrained young adults after five weeks, suggesting that eccentric loading may enhance concentric performance despite not directly training the concentric phase.
When muscles are stretched under heavy load, they grow thicker and stronger. This growth allows more muscle fibers to pull together during lifting, and the nervous system becomes better at activating those fibers, making it easier to lift weights even if you never practiced lifting them.
What the research says
1 studyEven if you only lower weights slowly (without lifting them), your ability to lift them still improves almost as much as if you did both lifting and lowering — your muscles get stronger just from the lowering part.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.