Whether you do similar muscle groups together or alternate them, you end up lifting about the same total weight over 8 weeks.
Scientific Claim
Total load lifted during an 8-week resistance training program does not differ significantly between synergist and nonsynergist schemes in recreationally trained men, suggesting similar training volumes are achievable with either approach.
Original Statement
“The total load lifted during each week also was calculated.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
understated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study measured total load but did not report results in the abstract. The claim is implied but not confirmed by the text provided. It should be stated as an association based on study design, not assumed.
More Accurate Statement
“In recreationally trained men, total load lifted during an 8-week resistance training program is associated with no significant difference between synergist and nonsynergist schemes, suggesting comparable training volumes were maintained across groups.”
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.
Randomized Controlled TrialLevel 1bCausal equivalence of total load between training schemes.
Causal equivalence of total load between training schemes.
What This Would Prove
Causal equivalence of total load between training schemes.
Ideal Study Design
Double-blind RCT with 60 recreationally trained men assigned to synergist or nonsynergist schemes, with weekly total load meticulously recorded and matched across groups via programmed volume adjustments.
Limitation: Does not prove equivalence of stimulus beyond volume.
Prospective Cohort StudyLevel 2bAssociation between training scheme and habitual total load lifted in real-world settings.
Association between training scheme and habitual total load lifted in real-world settings.
What This Would Prove
Association between training scheme and habitual total load lifted in real-world settings.
Ideal Study Design
6-month cohort tracking 100 recreationally trained men using either scheme, recording weekly total load via logbooks or apps, controlling for training frequency and intensity.
Limitation: Self-reporting bias may affect accuracy.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
A Comparison Between Synergist and Nonsynergist Resistance Training Schemes in Recreationally Trained Men.