When counting weightlifting sets, it matters whether the exercise directly targets the muscle or just helps it indirectly — counting indirect sets as half helps predict muscle growth and strength better than just adding up all sets.
Scientific Claim
The fractional quantification method for estimating weekly resistance training volume — assigning 0.5 weight to indirect sets — provides the strongest evidence for predicting muscle hypertrophy and strength adaptations compared to total or direct set counting methods.
Original Statement
“The relative evidence for the 'fractional' quantification method was strongest; therefore, this quantification method was used for the primary meta-regression models.”
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 describes a methodological finding based on comparative model evidence, not causal inference. The language 'strongest evidence' appropriately reflects statistical model comparison without overstepping.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The Resistance Training Dose Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gains
This study found that counting only some workout sets (direct ones) and giving half credit to others (indirect ones) made the best predictions for muscle growth and strength gains — better than just counting all sets or only the direct ones.