The Claim
During bench press to failure at 70% 1RM, velocity-based training and tempo-based training result in identical accumulated oxygen deficit values, indicating no difference in total anaerobic energy expenditure, despite differences in aerobic contribution and volume load.
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 performing bench presses to exhaustion at 70% of maximum strength, two different training styles—focusing on bar speed versus controlled movement tempo—produce the same amount of anaerobic energy use, even though they differ in how much oxygen is used and how much total work is done.
See the scientific wording
During bench press to failure at 70% 1RM, velocity-based and tempo-based training produce identical accumulated oxygen deficit values, indicating no difference in total anaerobic energy expenditure despite differences in aerobic contribution and volume load.
When you lift the weight quickly, your muscles need energy faster, so your body uses more oxygen to make energy during the lift. This lets you do more reps without needing to rely more on the anaerobic system that produces fatigue. Even though you do more total work, the amount of energy made without oxygen stays the same because the oxygen system picks up the extra load.
What the research says
1 studyWhether you lift the weight fast or slow to failure, your body uses the same amount of energy without oxygen — even though fast lifting uses more oxygen during the set. So, total 'anaerobic effort' stays the same.
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.