The Single-Leg Calf Raise Endurance Test, also known as the Heel Rise Endurance Test, measures how many controlled single-leg heel raises a client can complete before task failure. Recent normative research using 500 adults reported values for repetitions, total work, vertical displacement and peak heel-rise height using a validated calf raise application, strengthening interpretation of this test in general populations.
Calf endurance is important for walking, running, jumping, hopping, change of direction and repeated lower-limb loading. The Single-Leg Calf Raise Endurance Test provides a practical way to assess plantar-flexor endurance using minimal equipment.
The result should be interpreted as a lower-limb endurance and capacity measure, not as a standalone diagnostic tool. Stronger interpretation comes from baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison, symptoms, movement quality and related strength or functional tests.
Test name: Single-Leg Calf Raise Endurance Test
Alternative names: Heel Rise Endurance Test, Single-Leg Heel Raise Test
Category: Lower-limb strength endurance
Primary score: Number of valid repetitions
Optional scores: Total work, heel-rise height, pace, symptoms
Best suited to: Runners, field sport athletes, general fitness clients and lower-limb progress monitoring
Key limitation: Repetition standards, cadence, heel height and balance support strongly influence results.
Wall, rail or fingertips support for balance
Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
Optional Measurz metronome to standardise cadence
Optional Measurz rep counter to count valid repetitions
Optional Measurz AR measurement to document heel-rise height or setup
Optional inclinometer if ankle movement angle is being tracked
MAT tools such as Anker, Gripper or Muscle Meter for related lower-limb isometric strength testing
Measurz platform for recording side, repetitions, symptoms, compensations and retest comparison
The client stands barefoot or in standardised footwear on one leg.
Fingertip support may be allowed for balance but should not be used to push upward.
The client rises as high as possible onto the ball of the foot.
They lower under control to the start position.
Continue at a consistent cadence until they cannot achieve adequate heel height, lose control, use excessive support, report intolerable symptoms or choose to stop.
Record total valid repetitions for each side.
Record:
Left repetitions
Right repetitions
Dominant and non-dominant side
Side-to-side difference
Heel height quality
Cadence
Pain or symptoms
Reason for stopping
A higher repetition count generally suggests better calf strength endurance. However, interpretation should consider cadence, heel-rise height, body mass, balance support, footwear, fatigue and symptoms.
Recent research established normative values for calf muscle strength-endurance in adults using the Heel Rise Endurance Test and a validated calf raise application. The study included 500 individuals without Achilles tendinopathy symptoms or recent lower-limb immobilisation and reported normative values for repetitions, total work, total vertical displacement and peak height.
Use these broad ranges only when cadence and heel height are standardised:
Excellent endurance: 30+ repetitions
Good: 25–29 repetitions
Moderate: 15–24 repetitions
Developing: 8–14 repetitions
Low current calf endurance profile: under 8 repetitions
Side-to-side comparison is often more useful than a single universal cut-off. A difference greater than approximately 10–20% may be worth monitoring, especially if it aligns with symptoms, performance limitations or other findings.
The Heel Rise Endurance Test is widely used in practice and research to assess plantar-flexor strength endurance. Recent normative research notes that calf muscle strength-endurance can be reliably assessed with the HRET, but results are influenced by protocol and measurement method.
Common errors include using arm push-off, allowing reduced heel height, changing cadence, not recording footwear, stopping inconsistently, and comparing different protocols directly.
This test can help monitor calf endurance, compare sides, track progress after lower-limb training, and support a broader profile including ankle ROM, hop tests, balance and lower-limb strength measures.
Record side, repetitions, cadence, heel height quality, pain score, symptoms, balance support, footwear, compensations and retest date. The Measurz stopwatch, metronome and rep counter can standardise timing, rhythm and counting. AR measurement can support setup consistency, while MAT isometric tools can add related strength data.
Single-Leg Balance
Hop Tests
Isometric Plantar Flexion
Wall Sit Single-Leg Test
Single-Leg Sit-to-Stand
Ankle ROM
What does it measure? Calf and plantar-flexor strength endurance.
Should both sides be tested? Yes, side-to-side comparison is highly useful.
What is a good score? Around 25–30+ controlled repetitions may suggest strong endurance, but protocol and client context matter.
Can it diagnose Achilles issues? No. It can support assessment and monitoring but does not diagnose a condition.
The test measures single-leg calf endurance.
Standardised cadence and heel height are essential.
Recent normative research supports stronger interpretation.
Side-to-side comparison is important.
Measurz can track repetitions, symptoms and progress.
Alghadir, A. H., Iqbal, Z. A., Anwer, S., & Iqbal, A. (2025). Normative values for calf muscle strength-endurance in the general population assessed with the Calf Raise Application: A large international cross-sectional study. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy.
CISS Journal. (n.d.). Reliability of a standardized protocol of the single-leg heel rise test.
