Mixed
The lack of a unified definition for resistance exercise (RE) in scientific literature leads to heterogeneous inclusion criteria in systematic reviews, which obscures the true magnitude of effects and impairs the development of evidence-based guidelines.
When evaluating resistance training advice or research, check if the definition of 'resistance' is explicit. If a study or program mixes bodyweight exercises, plyometrics, and weighted lifting without distinguishing them, the results may be less precise. For optimal strength or hypertrophy, ensure the training modality matches your specific goal (e.g., traditional strength vs. plyometrics) rather than assuming all 'resistance' is equal.
Without a clear definition, systematic reviews (with meta-analysis) discuss outcomes of studies examining the effects of RE in different settings, using heterogenous inclusion criteria... This may affect the direction and magnitude of effects, whereby it will be unclear if heterogeneous findings result from natural variation in response to RE or from different definitions of what constitutes RE.
Why this rating
The paper is a narrative review by multiple experts analyzing existing definitions and meta-analyses.
Source
What is resistance exercise? A review of current uses and potential ways forward
Lars Hubertus Lohmann et al. · European Journal of Applied Physiology · 2026
DOI 10.1007/s00421-026-06148-2
More from this paper
- High effort (proximity to failure) is a necessary condition for muscle hypertrophy, particularly when using low loads, whereas high-load training inherently generates high effort.Good
- Resistance exercise can be effectively performed using bodyweight, provided the intensity and effort are sufficient to overload the neuromuscular system.Good
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
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 →