In a recent study, researchers had subjects do both full range and partial reps of triceps extensions (skull crushers). At the end of the study, triceps cross sectional area increased significantly in both groups, but there were big differences:
- The full range of motion group increased about 28%.
- The partial range of motion group increased about 49%.
So, the partial range group saw almost twice the size gains.
Reference
- Goto, M. et al (2017). Partial range of motion exercise is effective for facilitating muscle hypertrophy and function via sustained intramuscular hypoxia in young trained men. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002051
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