When you do more sets, you feel it way more than your muscles or strength show it — your brain notices the effort before your body shows physical signs.

Scientific Claim

In trained males, resistance training volume influences perceptual responses (RPE, PRS) more than physiological markers (MT, EI, 10RM), indicating that subjective experience is more sensitive to volume changes than objective measures of muscle structure or strength.

Original Statement

“PRS and RPE were significantly affected by training volume (p < 0.05)... No condition or condition-by-time effects were observed for MT, EI, or 10RM-VL (p > 0.05).”

From study:Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

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 uses 'influences... more than' and 'more sensitive' — probabilistic language appropriate for observational data showing differential responses.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Cross-Sectional Study

Human

2026 Jan 21

The study found that when guys did more sets, they felt more tired and less recovered—but their muscles didn’t get noticeably bigger or stronger right away, showing that how you feel matters more than physical changes after a workout.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Score: 37

DOI: 10.1055/a-2791-5145

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