This study investigated whether lengthened partial repetitions (LPs) offer superior benefits compared to full range of motion (fROM) training for building muscle size and endurance in experienced lifters.

Over an eight-week period, researchers utilized a within-participant design where different limbs performed either partial or full movements across a variety of upper-body exercises.

The results indicated that both methods produced similar increases in muscle thickness for the elbow flexors and extensors, with no significant advantage found for either technique.

Furthermore, improvements in strength-endurance during lat pulldowns were comparable between the two conditions, suggesting that ROM specificity may be less critical than previously thought.

The authors conclude that lifters can effectively use either approach to maximize growth, provided they prioritize the stretched position of the muscle.

These findings are particularly notable as they represent the first ecologically valid look at these training styles in a multi-exercise routine for trained individuals.

(Wolf M, Androulakis Korakakis P, Piñero A, Mohan AE, Hermann T, Augustin F, et al. Lengthened partial repetitions elicit similar muscular adaptations as full range of motion repetitions during resistance training in trained individuals. PeerJ [Internet]. 2025;13:e18904. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18904)