The Claim
Resistance training using knee extension exercises induces non-uniform hypertrophy in the vastus lateralis muscle, with greater increases in the distal region (13–14%) compared to the proximal region (9–12%) in healthy young men, suggesting exercise selection may influence regional muscle adaptation.
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.
When healthy young men perform knee extension exercises as part of resistance training, the thickening of the vastus lateralis muscle is greater in the lower part of the muscle than in the upper part.
See the scientific wording
Resistance training using knee extension exercises induces non-uniform hypertrophy in the vastus lateralis muscle, with greater increases in the distal region (13–14%) compared to the proximal region (9–12%) in healthy young men, suggesting exercise selection may influence regional muscle adaptation.
When you do knee extensions, the part of the thigh muscle closest to the knee gets worked harder because the way your leg moves makes the fibers near the knee stretch and contract more forcefully. This pulls more muscle fibers into action, especially the strong ones that grow bigger, so that part of the muscle ends up growing more than the part near the hip.
What the research says
1 studyWhen people do leg extension exercises, the part of the thigh muscle closest to the knee grows more than the part near the hip — and this study proved it using scans before and after training.
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.