Do partial or full lifts build more muscle?
The effects of lengthened-partial range of motion resistance training of the limbs on arm and thigh muscle area: A multi-site randomised trial
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Thigh muscle growth showed zero difference between lpROM and fROM, despite lpROM being a shorter movement.
Common fitness wisdom says full range of motion is essential for maximum hypertrophy—this study directly contradicts that belief with high-powered data.
Practical Takeaways
If you have joint pain or limited time, you can safely use partial reps for arms and legs without sacrificing muscle growth.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Thigh muscle growth showed zero difference between lpROM and fROM, despite lpROM being a shorter movement.
Common fitness wisdom says full range of motion is essential for maximum hypertrophy—this study directly contradicts that belief with high-powered data.
Practical Takeaways
If you have joint pain or limited time, you can safely use partial reps for arms and legs without sacrificing muscle growth.
Publication
Journal
Journal of Sports Sciences
Year
2025
Authors
D. Gschneidner, L. Carlson, James Steele, James P Fisher
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Claims (2)
Lifting weights through a shorter movement range can build muscle just as well as lifting through a full movement range — no difference in muscle growth.
Doing partial reps with extended muscle stretch and full reps with normal movement build your arm and thigh muscles about the same amount over 12 weeks — neither one is clearly better than the other.