Research
Mixed
Excessive sets per workout negatively interact with muscle mass gain, meaning that performing too many sets per session can reduce the overall hypertrophy outcome.
While resistance training builds muscle, doing too many sets in a single workout may reduce your overall muscle gain. Focus on quality and moderate volume rather than maximizing the number of sets per session.
GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
Regarding the training characteristics, the only significant variable that explained the variance of the hypertrophy was the sets per workout, showing a significant negative interaction (MD; estimate: 1.85, 95% CI [1.45, 2.25], p < 0.001; moderator: -0.03 95% CI [−0.05, −0.001] p = 0.04).
Why this rating
Based on meta-regression of included studies; while the main effect is strong, the specific moderator analysis is secondary.
Source
A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Resistance Training on Whole-Body Muscle Growth in Healthy Adult Males
Pedro J. Benito et al. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020
Meta-analysis · 111 studiesCited 59×
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