The Claim

Resistance-trained men exhibit higher perceived exertion during unilateral leg extensions with a slow eccentric tempo (1-0-3) compared to a fast eccentric tempo (1-0-1) when training volume and intensity are held constant, indicating that slower eccentric tempos increase subjective fatigue without enhancing hypertrophy or strength.

Source: Does Varying Repetition Tempo in a Single-Joint Lower Body Exercise Augment Muscle Size and Strength in Resistance-Trained Men?

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
59score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In resistance-trained men, performing leg extensions with a slow lowering phase increases the feeling of effort compared to a fast lowering phase, even when the total work and weight lifted are the same, and this does not lead to greater muscle growth or strength gains.

See the scientific wording

Resistance-trained men report higher perceived exertion during unilateral leg extensions with a slow eccentric tempo (1-0-3) compared to a fast tempo (1-0-1), despite identical training volume and intensity, suggesting slower tempos may increase subjective fatigue without enhancing hypertrophy or strength.

Why this might work

When muscles are stretched slowly under load, chemicals build up faster inside the muscle fibers and nerves in the muscle send stronger signals to the brain, making the person feel more tired even though the work done is the same.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Does Varying Repetition Tempo in a Single-Joint Lower Body Exercise Augment Muscle Size and Strength in Resistance-Trained Men?

    When guys lift weights slowly on leg extensions, they feel more tired than when they do it fast—even if they do the same amount of work. This study proved it: slow lifts felt harder, but didn’t make muscles bigger or stronger.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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