You might feel like you got wrecked after a heavy workout, but your strength and muscle size don’t actually change—your brain is just telling you it was hard.
Scientific Claim
In trained males, the relationship between training volume and perceptual responses (RPE, PRS) is not mirrored by changes in objective performance or morphological markers (10RM, MT, EI).
Original Statement
“Despite distinct perceptual and VL differences, no sustained muscle swelling or evidence of edema was observed, as MT and EI measurements returned to baseline within 24 hours post-session across all conditions. No condition or condition-by-time effects were observed for MT, EI, or 10RM-VL (p > 0.05).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The abstract uses 'effects' and 'induced' implying causation, but the design cannot establish that volume causes perceptual changes independent of other factors. The contrast is valid but must be framed as association.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Don’t Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume’s Transient Effects in Trained Males
Even though the guys felt way more tired and worked harder with more sets, their strength and muscle size didn’t actually change—so how they felt didn’t match what was really happening in their bodies.