The Claim

In individuals performing resistance exercises using machines through a full range of motion, emphasizing either the lengthened or shortened phase of the movement does not result in significant differences in muscle hypertrophy or strength gains.

Source: 7 Dazzling New Studies For Serious Lifters [2025]

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
67score
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

If you're lifting weights on machines and going through the full motion, it doesn't really matter whether you focus more on the stretch or squeeze part — you'll gain about the same muscle and strength.

See the scientific wording

When performing resistance exercises through a full range of motion using machines, biasing tension toward the lengthened or shortened phase of the movement does not significantly affect muscle hypertrophy or strength gains.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Lengthened partial repetitions elicit similar muscular adaptations as full range of motion repetitions during resistance training in trained individuals

    The study found that doing exercises with a full range of motion or focusing only on the stretched part of the movement led to similar muscle growth and strength gains. This supports the idea that it doesn’t matter much where you focus the effort during the exercise.

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

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.