Research
Adherence
Current longitudinal evidence is insufficient to definitively prescribe fractional set counts for MJ exercises; therefore, practitioners should default to a 1:1 ratio and use individual expertise to adjust.
Stick to counting every set as one set for now. If you notice a specific muscle (like hamstrings or triceps) isn't growing despite heavy multi-joint work, consider adding single-joint exercises for that muscle. Do not try to mathematically fractionate every set in your program.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Until more research is conducted to derive stronger conclusions on the topic, we feel the best advice for practitioners is to continue to view set-volume prescription on a 1:1 basis, and then use logical rationale and personal expertise to make determinations on program design.
Why this rating
Based on the authors' synthesis of conflicting longitudinal studies.
Source
Calculating Set-Volume for the Limb Muscles with the Performance of Multi-Joint Exercises: Implications for Resistance Training Prescription
Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · Sports · 2019
DOI 10.3390/sports7070177
narrative_reviewCited 36×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →