Dose-Response Modelling of Resistance Exercise Across Outcome Domains in Strength and Conditioning: A Meta-analysis

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Population

295 studies, 535 training groups, n=6710 participants; 54% untrained, 41% recreationally trained, 5% highly trained

Intervention

Resistance exercise interventions with varying load, volume (sets) and other dose variables, modelled continuously

Findings

Across 295 studies, resistance exercise produced a moderate pooled benefit across outcome domains, with additional sets producing diminishing returns. A strength-gain inflection point emerged around 70% 1RM, while jump performance improved most with much lighter loads around 30% 1RM — evidence of outcome-specific optimal loading. Only 5% of participants were highly trained, an important caveat for applying these curves to advanced trainees.

Outcome measures

Maximal strength, muscle hypertrophy, jump performance and other strength and conditioning outcome domains

Limitations

No risk-of-bias assessment of included studies was performed — a significant limitation for a 295-study synthesis; only 5% of participants were highly trained, so curves are dominated by untrained/recreational response; continuous modelling assumes comparability of very heterogeneous protocols.

Original source

DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02006-3 · PMID: 38652410