Partial Vs Full Range of Motion Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

What this means

A slight preference for full range of motion in exercise selection, though the difference versus partial reps is small.

Wolf M, Androulakis-Korakakis P, Fisher J, Schoenfeld B, Steele J · 2023 · International Journal of Strength and Conditioning

What does this rating mean?

A solid systematic review with caveats, or consistent indications with a limited scope.

Findings

Full range of motion produced a trivially greater hypertrophy than partial range of motion. All subgroups favoured full ROM, though the effect stayed small; lengthened partials (training at long muscle lengths) show promise but data remain limited.

Who this applies to

Multiple studies; trained and untrained adults

What to keep in mind

Limited studies per subgroup; heterogeneity in partial ROM definitions; few studies on lengthened partials specifically.

View method and source

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Intervention

Partial ROM vs full ROM resistance training

Outcome measures

Muscle hypertrophy, muscular strength, sport-related outcomes, power, body fat

Original source

DOI: 10.47206/ijsc.v3i1.182

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This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.

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