The Claim

In untrained individuals, performing biceps curls and triceps pushdowns with either strict form or external momentum results in measurable muscle hypertrophy over an eight-week training period.

Source: Do Cheaters Prosper? Effect of Externally Supplied Momentum During Resistance Training on Measures of Upper Body Muscle Hypertrophy

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
79score
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.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Over eight weeks, beginners who do biceps curls and triceps pushdowns with either strict technique or using momentum both experience measurable increases in muscle size.

See the scientific wording

In untrained individuals, both strict form and external momentum during biceps curls and triceps pushdowns produce measurable muscle hypertrophy over eight weeks, indicating that either technique can effectively stimulate growth in novice lifters.

Why this might work

When muscles are stretched and pulled during exercise, even if the movement is sloppy or uses momentum, the fibers still get tugged hard enough to send signals that tell the body to build more muscle protein, leading to growth over time.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Do Cheaters Prosper? Effect of Externally Supplied Momentum During Resistance Training on Measures of Upper Body Muscle Hypertrophy

    Beginners who did biceps curls and triceps pushdowns with either strict form or by swinging the weights both ended up with similar muscle growth after eight weeks — so cheating a little doesn’t stop you from getting stronger and bigger.

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.