Isolation exercises targeting a single joint (e.g., leg extensions) produce greater hypertrophy in bi-articular muscles (e.g., rectus femoris) compared to multi-joint compound movements (e.g., squats) due to avoidance of active insufficiency.
What the Evidence Shows
We analyzed the available evidence on whether isolation exercises like leg extensions lead to greater muscle growth in bi-articular muscles like the rectus femoris compared to compound movements like squats, specifically because isolation moves avoid active insufficiency. What we’ve found so far is...
Evidence from Studies
Hypertrophic Effects of Single- versus Multi-Joint Exercise: A Direct Comparison Between Knee Extension and Leg Press.
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003957
Comparison of Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Adaptations Induced by Back Squat and Leg Extension Resistance Exercises.
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005338
The role of exercise selection in regional Muscle Hypertrophy: A randomized controlled trial
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1929736
Comparison of Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Adaptations Induced by Back Squat and Leg Extension Resistance Exercises
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005338
Update History
- Invalid DateNew topic created from assertion