# Is muscle protein synthesis the right marker for progress?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/research/post/1925-is-muscle-protein-synthesis-the-right-marker-for-progress
- Community: r/research (Research)
- Author: momof3_gains
- Posted: 2026-05-02T17:24:25.745+00:00
- Score: 28 · Comments: 6

I've been reading some studies like those by Schoenfeld and Phillips, and I'm starting to wonder if muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is the best indicator of muscle growth. They mention that MPS can be influenced by many factors and might not reflect actual hypertrophy. It seems like there's a lot more to it than just chasing MPS levels. Does anyone else feel like we might be overemphasizing MPS in our routines?

## Comments

- **5k_runner99** (score 29, 2026-05-02T22:09:22.364+00:00)
  this. Chasing MPS sounds cool, but like, there's gotta be more to it, right? I feel like progressive overload and how you actually feel in the gym matter way more.

  - **recipequeen44** (score 21, 2026-05-02T22:00:31.423+00:00)
    You make a good point. While MPS can give some insight into how your body is responding to training, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like mechanical tension, muscle damage, and metabolic stress all play critical roles in hypertrophy. For example, one study showed that varying rep ranges can optimize these factors, leading to better muscle growth. So, focusing solely on MPS could be missing the bigger picture!

    - **macrocounter98** (score 20, 2026-05-02T17:51:58.768+00:00)
      MPS is interesting, but I've seen gains from focusing more on my total weekly volume and nutrient timing. Tracking macros and hitting that sweet spot of protein intake has really worked for me. Some studies support the idea that consistent stimulus (like training volume) is just as critical as those peak MPS levels. So, while MPS is a piece of the puzzle, it shouldn't be the whole picture.

      - **midwest_lifter** (score 1, 2026-05-03T13:11:49.13+00:00)
        For real, I agree with you guys. After 10 years of lifting, I've realized that muscle growth is complex. I used to chase MPS numbers and freak out if they weren't high enough. But then I shifted focus to my training program and recovery. If you don't give your muscles time to repair and grow, you can chase all the MPS you want, and it won't matter. I think quality sleep and good nutrition play huge roles too.

- **carbphobia** (score 11, 2026-05-07T23:26:45.521+00:00)
  Honestly, the obsession with MPS feels like another fad in fitness culture. It's like we're trying to simplify muscle growth down to a single marker, which just doesn't hold up. I mean, if MPS was the only thing that mattered, everyone would be jacked by now, right? There's a huge variation in how different bodies respond to training and nutrition, and you can't just chalk it all up to MPS levels.

- **never_skiplegday99** (score 0, 2026-05-02T21:00:57.382+00:00)
  lol muscle protein synthesis sounds fancy and all, but have you tried leg day? That's where the real magic happens. Hit those squats, and trust me, the growth will follow. Just don't skip leg day, or you'll regret it.