Very few gene patterns actually changed in sync with muscle growth — most of the important signals were already there before training even started.
Scientific Claim
A single gene network showing plasticity (change in expression correlated with muscle growth) was identified, suggesting that transcriptional changes directly tied to hypertrophy are rare compared to baseline predictive signals.
Original Statement
“A single exploratory Plasticity network was identified... No Plasticity analysis modules were significantly related to the primary or secondary whole muscle outcomes... RT-induced change in a Plasticity network (LV 20)... was associated with a negative change in normalized bilateral thigh lean mass.”
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 reflects the limited number of plasticity networks found and their weak or negative associations, consistent with the study’s design and results.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Muscle Transcriptional Networks Linked to Resistance Exercise Training Hypertrophic Response Heterogeneity.
Scientists found that what your muscles were already doing before exercise mattered more for growth than changes during exercise—and they only found one set of genes that changed along with muscle growth, making such changes rare.