Research

Mixed

Resistance training frequency (2x vs 4x per week) does not significantly alter patellar tendon morphological adaptations (Cross-Sectional Area or Length) when volume is equated.

Do not expect your tendons to get thicker (hypertrophy) from 8-12 weeks of resistance training, regardless of whether you train 2 or 4 times a week. Focus on strength gains, which can occur without visible morphological changes in this timeframe.

ModerateRefutesMEDIUM confidence
In conclusion, the leg extension exercise performed 2 vs 4x/week induces similar patellar tendon morphological responses.
Tiago Volpi Braz et al. · International journal of exercise science · 2022

Why this rating

Small sample size and short duration for morphological changes.

Source

AN EXAMINATION OF TWO RESISTANCE TRAINING FREQUENCY TECHNIQUES IN MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS OF THE PATELLAR TENDON

Tiago Volpi Braz et al. · International journal of exercise science · 2022

DOI 10.70252/zfxw7533

rct · n=27
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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 →