Effects of linear and daily undulating periodized resistance training programs on measures of muscle hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials
PubMed 28848690 · doi:10.7717/peerj.3695
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials comparing the effects of linear periodization (LP) versus daily undulating periodization (DUP) resistance training programs on muscle hypertrophy. Searches were performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, NDLTD, and OATD.
What was found
Across 13 eligible studies, the pooled standardized mean difference (Cohen's d) between LP and DUP for muscle hypertrophy was -0.02 (95% CI [-0.25, 0.21], p = 0.848).
Why it matters
Linear and daily undulating periodization models appear to yield equivalent hypertrophic gains, offering programming flexibility.
Limits
The abstract does not report the total participant sample size. The authors note the need for further research in trained and clinical populations and recommend future use of more sensitive imaging modalities like ultrasound or MRI.
Cited by
- supports Scientific evidence indicates that simply having a structured workout plan that enables progressive overload matters more for results than the specific details of the plan itself.