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Volume vs HIT: The Answer

tim290280

tim290280

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The long running debate can now be drawn to a conclusion.

No longer will myth and fallacious logic enter into any discussion of 1 versus multi sets.

Of course the HIT Jedi's have known this day was coming. The day when they can proudly say that they "used to be" HIT followers. :rofl3:

Single Versus Multiple Sets of Resistance Exercise: A Meta-Regression.

Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 23(6):1890-1901, September 2009.
Krieger, James W
Abstract:
Krieger, JW. Single versus multiple sets of resistance exercise: a meta-regression. J Strength Cond Res 23(6): 1890-1901, 2009-There has been considerable debate over the optimal number of sets per exercise to improve musculoskeletal strength during a resistance exercise program. The purpose of this study was to use hierarchical, random-effects meta-regression to compare the effects of single and multiple sets per exercise on dynamic strength. English-language studies comparing single with multiple sets per exercise, while controlling for other variables, were considered eligible for inclusion. The analysis comprised 92 effect sizes (ESs) nested within 30 treatment groups and 14 studies. Multiple sets were associated with a larger ES than a single set (difference = 0.26 +/- 0.05; confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.37; p < 0.0001). In a dose-response model, 2 to 3 sets per exercise were associated with a significantly greater ES than 1 set (difference = 0.25 +/- 0.06; CI: 0.14, 0.37; p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between 1 set per exercise and 4 to 6 sets per exercise (difference = 0.35 +/- 0.25; CI: -0.05, 0.74; p = 0.17) or between 2 to 3 sets per exercise and 4 to 6 sets per exercise (difference = 0.09 +/- 0.20; CI: -0.31, 0.50; p = 0.64). There were no interactions between set volume and training program duration, subject training status, or whether the upper or lower body was trained. Sensitivity analysis revealed no highly influential studies, and no evidence of publication bias was observed. In conclusion, 2 to 3 sets per exercise are associated with 46% greater strength gains than 1 set, in both trained and untrained subjects.

There you have it. A meta-analysis of all the (english language) studies done to find the winner. The winner is multi-sets. But volume is not a winner :umwtf:

Update from the research world. Unsatisfied with proving HIT is inferior for strength, the good Doctor has done another meta-analysis on hypertrophy.

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research:
April 2010 - Volume 24 - Issue 4 - pp 1150-1159

Single vs. Multiple Sets of Resistance Exercise for Muscle Hypertrophy: A Meta-Analysis
Krieger, James W

Abstract
Previous meta-analyses have compared the effects of single to multiple sets on strength, but analyses on muscle hypertrophy are lacking. The purpose of this study was to use multilevel meta-regression to compare the effects of single and multiple sets per exercise on muscle hypertrophy. The analysis comprised 55 effect sizes (ESs), nested within 19 treatment groups and 8 studies. Multiple sets were associated with a larger ES than a single set (difference = 0.10 ± 0.04; confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.19; p = 0.016). In a dose-response model, there was a trend for 2-3 sets per exercise to be associated with a greater ES than 1 set (difference = 0.09 ± 0.05; CI: −0.02, 0.20; p = 0.09), and a trend for 4-6 sets per exercise to be associated with a greater ES than 1 set (difference = 0.20 ± 0.11; CI: −0.04, 0.43; p = 0.096). Both of these trends were significant when considering permutation test p values (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between 2-3 sets per exercise and 4-6 sets per exercise (difference = 0.10 ± 0.10; CI: −0.09, 0.30; p = 0.29). There was a tendency for increasing ESs for an increasing number of sets (0.24 for 1 set, 0.34 for 2-3 sets, and 0.44 for 4-6 sets). Sensitivity analysis revealed no highly influential studies that affected the magnitude of the observed differences, but one study did slightly influence the level of significance and CI width. No evidence of publication bias was observed. In conclusion, multiple sets are associated with 40% greater hypertrophy-related ESs than 1 set, in both trained and untrained subjects.
 
El Freako

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*clap, clap, clap*
:turborun:
 
tim290280

tim290280

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*clap, clap, clap*
:turborun:

Not like this was a surprise to anyone really.

The volume 4-6 sets being the same as one set was the turn up for me. I haven't been able to figure out what the total volume of the 4-6 sets was (haven't read the whole thing as yet). At a guess I'd say it would be 8-10 reps per set that isn't really much point doing a lot of sets of (law of diminishing returns).
 
El Freako

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Would you care to forward me the study good sir.
 
The Creator

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Wow, this is a big one that a lot of people have been waiting to see, myself included. Thanks Tim
 
tim290280

tim290280

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Single Versus Multiple Sets of Resistance Exercise: A Meta-Regression
Krieger, James W

Abstract
Krieger, JW. Single versus multiple sets of resistance exercise: a meta-regression. J Strength Cond Res 23(6): 1890-1901, 2009-There has been considerable debate over the optimal number of sets per exercise to improve musculoskeletal strength during a resistance exercise program. The purpose of this study was to use hierarchical, random-effects meta-regression to compare the effects of single and multiple sets per exercise on dynamic strength. English-language studies comparing single with multiple sets per exercise, while controlling for other variables, were considered eligible for inclusion. The analysis comprised 92 effect sizes (ESs) nested within 30 treatment groups and 14 studies. Multiple sets were associated with a larger ES than a single set (difference = 0.26 ± 0.05; confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.37; p < 0.0001). In a dose-response model, 2 to 3 sets per exercise were associated with a significantly greater ES than 1 set (difference = 0.25 ± 0.06; CI: 0.14, 0.37; p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between 1 set per exercise and 4 to 6 sets per exercise (difference = 0.35 ± 0.25; CI: -0.05, 0.74; p = 0.17) or between 2 to 3 sets per exercise and 4 to 6 sets per exercise (difference = 0.09 ± 0.20; CI: -0.31, 0.50; p = 0.64). There were no interactions between set volume and training program duration, subject training status, or whether the upper or lower body was trained. Sensitivity analysis revealed no highly influential studies, and no evidence of publication bias was observed. In conclusion, 2 to 3 sets per exercise are associated with 46% greater strength gains than 1 set, in both trained and untrained subjects.


Introduction
Resistance exercise is an effective method for improving musculoskeletal strength, muscle mass, bone mass, and connective tissue thickness (26,44). It is used for improving general fitness and athletic performance, for reducing injury risk, and for rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries (26). A resistance exercise program can also have significant health benefits, including reduction of coronary heart disease risk, improvement of glycemic control, and reduction of type II diabetes risk (26). In the elderly population, resistance exercise is an important tool for reducing osteoporosis and fracture risk, minimizing age-related sarcopenia, and improving function in activities of daily living (15,28).

The design of a resistance exercise program requires appropriate manipulation of numerous variables, including the frequency, intensity, and volume of the program (17). For general fitness purposes, the American College of Sports Medicine has recommended a program of 8 to 10 exercises covering all major muscle groups (1). One set per exercise is recommended; each set is performed to volitional exhaustion. Each exercise is to be performed 2 to 3 days/week on nonconsecutive days. More advanced programs are recommended for athletic populations, including higher volumes of training and programmed variation in training programs (periodization) (25).

There has been considerable debate over the optimal number of sets per exercise to improve musculoskeletal strength. Some authors have contended that multiple sets are necessary to optimize strength gains, particularly in subjects with extensive resistance exercise experience (25,45). Other authors have argued that a single set per exercise is all that is necessary, and further gains are not achieved by successive sets (11,12,35). In some studies, no significant difference between single and multiple sets has been observed (2,18,34,43). In a qualitative review, Carpinelli and Otto (12) stated that the majority of studies comparing single with multiple sets have shown no significant differences in strength gains. However, evidence from a number of more recent studies supports greater strength gains with multiple sets (8,16,22-24,31,33,37,41).

These inconsistencies among studies may relate to differences in study designs or small trials with low statistical power. Thus, it may be advantageous to combine the results of trials comparing single with multiple sets. In one meta-analysis of 16 studies, Rhea et al. (38) reported superior strength gains with 3-set programs as compared with 1-set programs. However, their analysis has been criticized for including studies that did not meet their reported inclusion criteria (35). Rhea et al. also included 93 multiple, nonindependent effect sizes (ESs) in their analysis, which can introduce bias because of reduced variability, artificially inflated sample sizes, and an over-weighted contribution of studies contributing multiple, nonindependent data points (3). In a second meta-analysis of 140 studies and 1,433 ESs, Rhea et al. (39) concluded that 4 sets per muscle group elicited maximal strength gains in both trained and untrained subjects. However, as with their previous analysis, they included multiple, nonindependent ESs. There also were no strictly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria; as a result, the population of studies was extremely heterogeneous and included studies on ergogenic aids, diseased populations, and children. There was also no statistical analysis of the ESs and little control for study- and group-level variables that would affect the outcomes. This can make interpretation of results difficult because it cannot be clear whether the observed results represent a true-effect, a by-product of sampling variation, or a cofounding effect of study- and group-level characteristics that may have correlated with set volume. Rhea et al. also analyzed their data as sets per muscle group, which cannot account for the number of sets performed of a tested exercise and the strength gains that may result from repeated efforts of that particular exercise. In a third meta-analysis, Wolfe et al. (49) examined 103 ESs from 16 studies and found multiple sets to result in significantly greater increases in strength than single sets in trained subjects (p < 0.001) as well as in programs lasting 17 to 40 weeks (p < 0.05). However, Wolfe et al. calculated ESs differently for studies with control groups vs. studies without control groups, which can introduce bias in the treatment effects (32). Also, Wolfe et al. did not control for the use of multiple exercises per target muscles; some training programs may have single sets per exercise but multiple exercises involving the same muscle groups. Finally, Wolfe et al. included studies that compared programs that varied in more characteristics than the number of sets.

The purpose of this article was to improve upon the limitations of previous meta-analyses and use hierarchical, random-effects meta-regression to compare the effects of single and multiple sets per exercise on dynamic strength. A second purpose was to establish a dose-response effect of set volume on strength. The hypothesis was that multiple sets would improve strength to a greater degree than single sets.


Methods

Study Selection
Searches were performed of PubMed, SPORT Discus, and CINAHL for English-language studies published between January 1, 1960, and December 7, 2007. A sample of key words and phrases used in searches included “resistance training,” “strength training,” “resistance exercise,” “sets,” “single,” “multiple,” and “volume.” Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT were used to help narrow searches. Hand searching and cross-referencing were performed from the bibliographies of previously retrieved studies and from review articles. Studies were selected if they met the following criteria: (a) resistance exercise program lasting a minimum of 4 weeks; (b) training on at least 1 exercise for at least 1 major muscle group; major muscle groups included the quadriceps, hamstrings, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps, and deltoids; (c) inclusion of adults 19 years of age or older; (d) comparison of single with multiple sets per exercise, with all other training variables being equivalent; (e) apparently healthy subjects, free from orthopedic limitations and comorbidities that could affect progress on a resistance exercise program; (f) pre- and post-training measurement of dynamic 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength; (g) sufficient data to determine sets per exercise and exercise frequency and to calculate ESs; and (h) published studies in English-language journals only.


Data Abstraction
Data were tabulated onto a spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA). Each row represented a specific ES for a treatment group. If there were multiple ESs for a particular treatment group (i.e., a treatment group was tested on multiple exercises), then each ES was coded in a separate row.

Variables abstracted from each study were the following: authors, year, research design (randomized trial, nonrandomized trial, or randomized crossover), n, quality score, sex (male, female, or mixed), age (19-44 yr, or >=45 yr), baseline body mass (kg), resistance exercise experience (<6 mo, or >=6 mo), training program duration (wk), average repetitions per set, tested exercise frequency (d·wk-1), sets per exercise, multiple exercises per target muscles (yes/no), supervised training (yes/unspecified), name of tested exercise, portion of body targeted by tested exercise (upper/lower), pre- and post-test mean 1-RM, and pre- and post-test 1-RM SD. A treatment group was classified as having multiple exercises per target muscles if that group performed exercises that targeted any of the prime movers of the tested exercise. For example, the prime movers of a bench press were considered to be the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoids, and the triceps. If a treatment group performed another exercise involving at least one of those muscles as a prime mover (e.g., an overhead shoulder press), then that group was considered to have performed multiple exercises per target muscles. The study quality score was the sum of 2 scores used in previous reviews to rate the quality of resistance training studies: a 0 to 10 scale-based score used by Bågenhammar and Hansson (4) and a 0 to 10 scale-based score used by Durall et al. (14) For the average repetitions per set, if a range of repetitions was reported (e.g., 8-12 repetitions), the midpoint of the range was used (e.g., 10 repetitions).

For each tested exercise in each treatment group, an ES was calculated as the pretest-post-test change in 1-RM divided by the pretest SD (32). Becker (5) recommended the ES for the control group be subtracted from the experimental group ES; however, numerous studies in this analysis did not include a control group. Because it is important to define the ES in a standard way across all studies (32), the control ES was assumed to be 0 in all studies and was not subtracted from the experimental ES. To test this assumption, the mean control ES was calculated among all studies that had a control group; the mean ES was -0.04 ± 0.04, which was not significantly different from 0 (p = 0.38) when compared using a 1-sample t-test. The sampling variance for each ES was estimated according to Morris and DeShon (32). Calculation of the sampling variance required an estimate of the population ES and the pretest-post-test correlation for each individual ES. The population ES was estimated by calculating the mean ES across all studies and treatment groups (32). The pretest-post-test correlation was calculated using the following formula (32):
Equation (Uncited)

where s1 and s2 are the SD for the pre- and post-test means, respectively, and sD is the SD of the difference scores. Where s2 was not reported, s1 was used in its place. Where sD was not reported, it was estimated using the following formula:
Equation (Uncited)


Statistical Analyses
Because multiple, nonindependent ESs were being analyzed, it was necessary to use a statistical model that accounted for this. The data presented 3 sources of variation that had to be considered: the variation between studies, the variation between treatment groups, and the variation between ESs within each treatment group (Figure 1). Thus, meta-analyses were performed using hierarchical linear mixed models, modeling the variation between studies as a random effect, the variation between treatment groups as a random effect nested within studies, the variation between ESs as a random effect nested within treatment groups, and group-level predictors as fixed effects (Figure 1) (21). This type of statistical model has been successfully used in other meta-regressions (27). The within-group variances were assumed known. Observations were weighted by the inverse of the sampling variance (32). An intercept-only model was created, estimating the weighted mean ES across all studies and treatment groups. A full model was then created with the following predictors: quality, sex, age, resistance exercise experience, training program duration, level of supervision, targeted body portion, multiple sets per exercise (yes/no), multiple exercises per target muscles, and exercise frequency. Although the number of repetitions per set can affect strength gains (10,46), it was not included as a predictor because of the homogeneity among studies (7-10 repetitions across all studies). The full model was then reduced by removing 1 predictor at a time, starting with the most insignificant predictor (9). The final model represented the reduced model with the lowest Bayesian information criterion (BIC) (42), and that was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the full model when compared with a Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT). Model parameters were estimated by the method of restricted maximum likelihood (REML) (48); an exception occurred during the model reduction process, in which parameters were estimated by the method of maximum likelihood because LRTs cannot be used to compare nested models with REML estimates. Denominator degrees of freedom for statistical tests and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated according to Berkey et al. (7) The multiple-sets predictor was not removed during the model reduction process. Because meta-regression can result in inflated false-positive rates when heterogeneity is present or when there are few studies (19), a permutation test described by Higgins and Thompson (19) was used to verify the significance of the predictors in the final model; 1,000 permutations were generated. Because Wolfe et al. (49) reported interactions between multiple sets per exercise and subject training experience, as well as multiple sets and training duration, 2 additional models including these interaction terms were created. Because both Paulsen et al. (36) and Rønnestad et al. (40) reported multiple sets to produce superior strength gains in the lower body but not the upper body, another model was created with the interaction between multiple sets per exercise and the half of the body targeted by the test exercise. To examine the relationship between set volume and treatment effect, a dose-response model was created by replacing the multiple-sets predictor with a categorical predictor representing the number of sets performed per exercise: 1 set, 2 to 3 sets, and 4 to 6 sets. Adjustment for post hoc multiple comparisons among set categories was performed with a Hochberg correction (20). Histograms of residuals were examined to identify major departures from normality; no departures from normality were found. Publication bias was assessed by way of a funnel plot regression method described by Macaskill et al. (29)
Figure 1

To identify the presence of highly influential studies that may have biased the analysis, a sensitivity analysis was carried out by removing 1 study at a time and then examining the multiple-sets predictor. Studies were identified as influential if their removal resulted in a change of greater than 1 SE in the multiple-sets coefficient. All analyses were performed using S-PLUS version 7.0 (Insightful, Seattle, WA). Effects were considered significant at p <= 0.05. Data are reported as means (±SE) and 95% CIs.


Results

Study Characteristics
The analysis comprised 92 ESs nested within 30 treatment groups and 14 studies (Table 1). The weighted mean ES across all studies and treatment groups was 0.67 ± 0.11 (CI: 0.46, 0.89).
Table 1 Table 1 Table 1


Full model
Results for the full model with all predictors are shown in Table 2. There was a significant effect of sets per exercise while controlling for all other covariates, with multiple sets being associated with a larger ES than a single set (difference = 0.26 ± 0.05; CI: 0.15, 0.37; p < 0.0001).
Table 2


Reduced model
During the model reduction procedure, all covariates were found to be insignificant and were dropped from the full model. The BIC decreased from 117.0 in the full model to 81.4 in the reduced model. The reduced model was not significantly different from the full model (p = 0.10). The intercept for the reduced model was 0.54 ± 0.11 (CI: 0.32, 0.77; p < 0.0001). In the reduced model, multiple sets were associated with a larger ES than a single set (difference = 0.26 ± 0.05; CI: 0.15, 0.37; p < 0.0001) (Table 3). The mean ES for a single set was 0.54 ± 0.11 (CI: 0.32, 0.77). The mean ES for multiple sets was 0.80 ± 0.11 (CI: 0.57, 1.03).
Table 3


Interactions
There was no significant interaction between multiple sets per exercise and subject training experience (p = 0.98), training program duration (p = 0.34), or the half of the body targeted by the test exercise (p = 0.70).


Dose-Response Model
In the dose-response model, 2 to 3 sets per exercise were associated with a significantly greater ES than 1 set per exercise (difference = 0.25 ± 0.06; CI: 0.14, 0.37; p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between 1 set per exercise and 4 to 6 sets per exercise (difference = 0.35 ± 0.25; CI: -0.05, 0.74; p = 0.17) or between 2 to 3 sets per exercise and 4 to 6 sets per exercise (difference = 0.09 ± 0.20; CI: -0.31, 0.50; p = 0.64). The mean ES for 1 set per exercise was 0.54 ± 0.12 (CI: 0.31, 0.77). The mean ES for 2 to 3 sets per exercise was 0.79 ± 0.12 (CI: 0.56, 1.02). The mean ES for 4 to 6 sets per exercise was 0.89 ± 0.22 (CI: 0.45, 1.32).


Sensitivity Analysis
Results for the sensitivity analysis are reported in Table 3. No influential studies were identified.


Publication Bias
A plot of treatment effect (multiple sets ES - single set ES) and sample size can be seen in Figure 2. There was no significant relationship between treatment effect and sample size (slope of line = -0.005 ± 0.004; p = 0.15), indicating no evidence of publication bias.
Figure 2


Discussion
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether multiple sets per exercise are associated with greater strength gains than a single set per exercise in a resistance exercise program. Multiple sets per exercise were associated with significantly greater ESs in both the full and reduced statistical models. The mean ES for a single set per exercise was 0.54, whereas the mean ES for multiple sets was 0.80. Thus, multiple sets were associated with 48% greater strength gains than a single set. According to Cohen's classifications for ESs (<0.41 = small; 0.41-0.70 = moderate; >0.70 = large) (13), multiple sets per exercise were associated with a large treatment effect, whereas a single set was associated with a moderate treatment effect. In this dataset, the multiple-set predictor was by far the strongest predictor of strength gains because it was the only predictor remaining in the reduced model.

In 2 other meta-analyses, Rhea et al. (38) and Wolfe et al. (49) reported multiple sets to be associated with significantly greater strength gains than a single set. The current study strengthens these conclusions by improving upon the limitations of these previous works. The difference in ES between single and multiple sets in this study was similar to the difference reported by Rhea et al. (0.26 vs. 0.28, respectively); however, Rhea et al. reported a larger ES (0.70) for studies controlling all other variables other than the number of sets. Differences may relate to differences in methodology or studies included; Rhea et al. did not report which studies were classified as controlling for other variables. Rhea et al. also calculated the ES differently; they classified a single-set group as a control group, and the difference in the post-test mean between the control and multiple-set groups was used to calculate the ES. Wolfe et al. reported an ES difference of 0.41 between single and multiple sets in trained subjects only. However, Wolfe et al. defined the ES differently from the current study; they calculated the ES as the difference between the experimental group (single or multiple sets) and the control group (no training), divided by the SD of the control group. For studies not including a control group, they defined the ES as the difference in pretest and post-test means divided by the pooled SD. They also included studies that did not control for other variables other than the number of sets.

Wolfe et al. (49) reported multiple sets to be associated with superior strength gains in trained individuals but not untrained individuals. Their results differ from the results of the current study; in the current analysis, no significant interaction between set volume and training status was observed. Thus, according to the current analysis, subjects with little resistance training experience are equally likely to benefit from multiple sets per exercise as subjects with at least 6 months of experience. The difference in this outcome between the current study and Wolfe et al. is not clear; it may relate to differences in studies included or differences in the way training status was defined (Wolfe et al. did not report how training status was defined).

Wolfe et al. (49) reported that multiple sets produced superior strength gains in training programs lasting 17 to 40 weeks but not in programs lasting for a shorter period of time. The results of the current analysis are not in agreement; there was no significant interaction between set volume and training program duration. In fact, 12 of the 14 studies in the current analysis involved studies lasting less than 17 weeks, and a significant effect of multiple sets over a single set was observed. This difference may relate to differences in studies included in the 2 analyses; only 5 of the studies included in the analysis by Wolfe et al. were included in the current analysis.

Paulsen et al. (36) and Rønnestad et al. (40) reported multiple sets to produce greater strength gains in the lower body but not the upper body. In the current analysis, there was no interaction between body portion and set volume. It is possible that these authors did not have the statistical power to detect an effect of multiple set training on the upper body; for example, in the study by Rønnestad et al., the difference in upper-body ES between 1 set and 3 sets was 0.40, but this was not statistically significant.

The dose-response analysis revealed 2 to 3 sets per exercise to be associated with 46% greater strength gains than 1 set, but no further benefit was observed with 4 to 6 sets. However, although the difference between 2 to 3 sets and 1 set was highly significant, the insignificant results for 4 to 6 sets compared with other set categories should be interpreted with caution. Only 2 of the 14 studies in this analysis consisted of treatment groups performing 4 to 6 sets per exercise (31,34). Thus, the SEs for the estimates are large and preclude any definitive conclusions. These results differ from Rhea et al. (38), who reported a dose-response effect of an increasing number of sets up to 4 sets per muscle group, with no further benefit beyond 4 sets. However, Rhea et al. examined sets per muscle group, whereas the current analysis was on sets per exercise. Also, Rhea et al. did not statistically analyze the trend in their data or report any CIs, so it is not clear whether the observed dose-response was a true effect or a product of sampling variation. Finally, it cannot be determined from Rhea et al. how much of the observed mean ESs were related to set volume and how much by study- and group-level related factors that were not controlled.

To examine the effects of potential outliers on the outcome, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The magnitude of the multiple-set estimate was remarkably consistent regardless of which study was removed. Thus, no particular study had a strong effect on the results.

Publication bias represents the problem in which studies showing statistically significant results are more likely to be published than studies that fail to show significant results (e.g., studies showing a significant difference between 1 set and multiple sets per exercise may be more likely to be published) (6). Thus, meta-analyses of published studies may overestimate the magnitude of a treatment effect (6). Analyses can be performed to detect the presence of publication bias; one analysis involves examining the relationship between sample size and treatment effect (29). The existence of a significant relationship suggests that publication bias may be present. However, no such relationship was observed in the current study. Wolfe et al. (49) examined the presence of publication bias using a Kendall rank correlation test and also failed to observe any evidence of bias.

The physiologic explanation behind how multiple sets are associated with superior strength gains has not been well defined. Strength training is associated with a number of structural and neural adaptations that enhance force production (26). It could be that the repetitive stimuli of multiple sets enhance hypertrophic adaptations, neural adaptations, or both. However, there will also be a point of diminishing returns. With many treatments or interventions, such as drugs, there is often an increasing response to treatment up to a certain optimal dose, and then a plateau or decrease in response beyond that dose is reached (30). The current analysis suggests that 1 set per exercise, although producing strength gains, is not the optimal dose for many individuals.

There are a number of strengths to the current study design. First, strict inclusion criteria were used; only studies comparing single with multiple sets while holding all other variables constant were included. Second, the random effects, hierarchical regression model allowed for the simultaneous modeling of the variation between studies, between treatment groups, and between ESs within each treatment group. Third, the analysis controlled for other factors that may affect strength gain, such as the presence of multiple exercises per target muscles. Fourth, both standard and permutation test p values were used to protect against spurious findings, a common problem with meta-regression (19). Fifth, objective quality scores were used to rate each study and were included as a covariate in the analysis to control for differences in study quality. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed and indicated the results to be robust against the removal of individual studies.

One limitation to this analysis is the small number of studies incorporating 4 or more sets per exercise. Another limitation is that meta-regression, similar to epidemiologic research, can only support observational associations and cannot demonstrate causation (47). A final limitation is the availability of data (47). Some studies, despite meeting the design criteria (comparison of single versus multiple sets while keeping other variables constant), were excluded because dynamic 1-RM tests were not performed or reported. For example, Starkey et al. (43) reported no significant differences in strength gains between 1 set and 3 sets per exercise; their study was not included in this analysis because they measured isometric strength at a variety of angles rather than dynamic 1-RM strength. Because an analysis can only be undertaken for trials in which all information is available, bias can be introduced in the results (47). However, given the robustness of the results to removal of individual studies, and the lack of evidence of publication bias, it is unlikely that significant bias was present.


Practical Application
Multiple sets per exercise were associated with significantly greater strength gains than a single set per exercise during a resistance exercise program. In particular, 2 to 3 sets per exercise were associated with 46% greater gains than 1 set. This was true regardless of subject training status or training program duration. Thus, both trained and untrained subjects are equally likely to benefit from performing 2 to 3 sets per exercise. Given that the majority of the studies in this analysis compared 1 set with 3 sets, 3 sets is most likely an appropriate starting point. If time is a limiting factor, then single sets can produce strength gains, but improvements may not be optimal. No further benefits for volumes greater than 3 sets were observed, but because there were few studies involving 4 or more sets per exercise in this analysis, this conclusion should be taken with caution. Given the overwhelming evidence showing a superiority of multiple sets, further research should focus on dose-response relationships (e.g., 1 set vs. 3 sets vs. 6 sets per exercise).


Acknowledgments
The author thanks Dr. Dan Wagman for his help in obtaining some articles. There were no financial or personal conflicts of interest and no external funding for this study. The results of this study do not constitute endorsement of the NSCA.


References
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tim290280

tim290280

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I'm downloading the pdf now if anyone wants it.

Although the figures aren't anything amazing. Mainly just what studies he covered and their characteristics.
 

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i think both too much volume and too little volume can be detrimental to ones training. but i think it boils down alot to intensity. for me it seems clearer than ever that going to failure consistently is detrimental to training. i used to do 20-30 sets per bodypart per week, almost all sets to failure and i burned out. i then went to HIT and did only a couple of sets to failure, and i burnt out again. theeeen, i abandoned HIT and went to upper/lower and avoided failure like a plague on most lifts, and my squat and bench both jumped 20 kg. to me, it seems clear that u can gain from pretty much any routine, low, medium or high volume as long as u prioritize periodization and recovery and avoid CNS burnouts, which will occur faster if u train to failure.

i remember when i was at the point where my central nervous system was completely burnt out. i wanted to lift so bad, but everything, even my warmups felt heavy and uncomfortable. luckily i took steps and training is fun once again.

just my two cents:2:
 
tim290280

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Bulky I think that your journey is like many of us. You need the periodisation and as soon as you get past the beginers phase you can't get away with being stupid about training.

Natzo you need to send me your email addy.
 
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Great thread. I know this is probably a noob question, but what are the general guidelines for periodization? Is it basically cycling weeks where you lift heavier, more often to failure, followed by weeks where you lift a bit lighter and increase the volume? Please enlighten me! I know its a very general question that you could write pages on, but i need to learn more about this. Im sure it's vital for longevity in bodybuilding. Thanks!
 
tim290280

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^^ People could answer or you could read.......

Search periodisation here, there has to be a few articles on the basics posted here.
 
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^^ Thanks Ben. I find it hard to paste links from work.
 
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Bump-1.gif
 
tim290280

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Bumping: added some new research by the same guy. He has already covered strength now he is covering hypertrophy.

So now that the HIT coffin is nailed shut he has effectively lowered it into the grave. Won't be long now and it will be finally buried forever.
 
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My main point against HIT is that is too dangerous. Of course the study you posted backs my "hate" for this training system, but even if it talked wonders about HIT, I wouldn't try it for safety reasons.
 
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My main point against HIT is that is too dangerous. Of course the study you posted backs my "hate" for this training system, but even if it talked wonders about HIT, I wouldn't try it for safety reasons.

It seems a lot of people misunderstand HIT, at least the fundamentalist mentor version of it. It is not a dangerous program because all lifts are performed with a two second positive, two second contracted hold, followed by a four second negative. Mike Mentzer advocated this highly controlled lifting cadence because it prevented injury and forced stress on the muscle instead of the joints when momentum is used.

The other factor I feel those slighting HIT are missing is the intensity techniques of pre-exhaust, rest-pause and negatives which are used periodically (periodization) to take the target muscle to complete failure.

Exercise selection also meant indirect stimulus had muscles being worked more frequently than it might appear on a the surface. Eg. Reverse grip pulldowns used on both back and bicep day with a pre-exhaust used for back day to weaken the lats before using the fresh biceps to help take them to complete exhaustion.

Basically my point is HIT done in the purist fashion is safe and the volume although one set per body part has intensity techniques to take the muscle to the point absolute failure.

This study showed that anymore than three sets showed no increased results so if anything it supports the lower volume camps. The study did only show that one set to positive failure (unspecified lifting cadence or technique) was not as productive as three sets.

I would also like to know what they consider an experienced lifter, their is plenty of experience in my gym, not necessarily freak size. This study supports only 3 sets per body part over a 14 week period, I would not call that a large time frame.


Good study however if read correctly it will prevent a lot of noobs doing twenty set bicep routines trying to copy Arnold.
 

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