Research
Neural
Low-load resistance exercise (50% of 1RM) results in greater total integrated EMG muscle activation compared to high-load resistance exercise (80% of 1RM).
Incorporating low-load exercises may enhance overall muscle activation in training programs.
StrongSupportsmedium confidence
iEMG total favoring LOW (p = 0.001) across all muscle groups in both conditions.
Why this rating
Based on the study design involving resistance-trained men and EMG measurements.
Source
Upper body muscle activation during low-versus high-load resistance exercise in the bench press
Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · Isokinetics and Exercise Science · 2016
DOI 10.3233/ies-160620
other · n=12Cited 35×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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