The Isometric Seated Calf Raise Test measures isometric plantarflexion force with the knee flexed. This position is commonly used to bias the soleus more than a straight-knee plantarflexion test, although the gastrocnemius and other plantarflexors still contribute. The client pushes the forefoot downward into a Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer, foot plate or fixed setup while the professional controls position and records force. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force. When used with Measurz, additional force-time metrics may be recorded or analysed depending on the setup, protocol and data quality. The result should be interpreted alongside symptoms, ankle range of motion, Achilles/calf tolerance, gait, hopping, running demands, baseline comparison and repeated testing.
Calf strength is important for walking, running, jumping, landing, stair use, acceleration, deceleration and change of direction.
The seated calf raise position places the knee in flexion, which reduces the contribution of the gastrocnemius compared with a straight-knee position and is often used when assessing or training the soleus. The primary plantarflexors include:
soleus
gastrocnemius
plantaris
tibialis posterior
flexor hallucis longus
flexor digitorum longus
fibularis longus and brevis
A Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer can help quantify seated plantarflexion force rather than relying only on visual observation or subjective resistance. This makes baseline testing, side-to-side comparison and progress tracking more objective.
Plantarflexor strength is clinically and performance relevant, but it can be difficult to measure consistently because the calf complex can generate high force. Recent research supports the value of fixed or instrumented setups for seated isometric plantarflexion testing, with one study reporting excellent test-retest reliability for an instrumented seated plantarflexion force test in adults.
The test does not diagnose Achilles tendinopathy, calf strain, nerve involvement, soleus injury, plantarflexor weakness cause or return-to-sport readiness on its own. It is a strength measurement that should be interpreted with the broader assessment.
The Isometric Seated Calf Raise Test measures how much force the client can produce when pressing the forefoot downward against a fixed or resisted device while seated with the knee flexed.
In a Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer setup, the client usually performs a make test:
the device stays still
the client gradually builds force
the client pushes into the device as hard as safely possible
the peak or average force is recorded
For this article, the default version is a push test. The client pushes the forefoot downward into a Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer, foot plate or fixed force setup.
A strap-stabilised or fixed setup is strongly preferred when possible because plantarflexion force can be high and assessor-held devices can be difficult to stabilise. A 2025 study found that a belt-and-metal-plate handheld dynamometer method for isometric ankle plantarflexion showed reliability, but validity depended on testing context and examiner factors, reinforcing the need for controlled setup and cautious interpretation.
The Muscle Meter is a handheld dynamometry tool used to measure force output during push, pull and isometric strength assessments. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test.
When the Muscle Meter is used with Measurz, the assessment can be recorded, analysed and interpreted with a broader set of strength and force-time metrics. Depending on the test setup, protocol and available data, Measurz and the Muscle Meter can be used to assess and record:
Peak force
Impulse
Torque
Rate of torque development
Rate of force development
Time to peak
Fatigue index
These metrics help professionals move beyond a single strength number and better understand how force is produced, how quickly it is produced, how long it is sustained, and how performance changes across repeated efforts.
For the Isometric Seated Calf Raise Test, the most useful routine metric is usually peak force. Other metrics may be useful in specific situations:
Torque may be useful if the lever arm from the ankle joint to the point of force application is measured.
Rate of force development may be useful when rapid calf force production matters, such as running, jumping or change of direction.
Time to peak may provide context when a client produces force slowly.
Impulse may be useful if sustained force over a selected time window is relevant.
Fatigue index may be useful only if repeated or sustained seated calf efforts are part of the protocol.
Not every test needs every metric. The most appropriate metric depends on the test goal, body region, setup, client population, device placement, protocol quality and the professional question being asked.
The Muscle Meter and Measurz should be used for measurement, assessment reasoning, comparison, education and progress tracking. They should not be positioned as diagnosing a condition, confirming readiness, clearing participation or explaining symptoms on their own.
Seated calf raise strength testing may be useful because plantarflexor force capacity contributes to daily movement, sport performance and lower-limb load tolerance.
The test can help professionals:
establish a baseline plantarflexion strength score
compare left and right seated calf force
monitor progress after training or rehabilitation
track changes after calf, Achilles, ankle or foot symptoms
identify whether effort is limited by pain, fatigue or confidence
support client education with objective data
compare strength with calf raise endurance, hopping, gait or running tasks
record consistent strength information in Measurz
The seated position may be especially useful when the professional wants a knee-flexed plantarflexion measure that gives more context about soleus-biased force capacity.
The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or clearance measure.
When used independently, the Muscle Meter measures peak force.
When used with Measurz, Muscle Meter testing can support deeper analysis of force and strength performance, including:
Peak force: The highest force produced during the test.
Impulse: The total force applied across a selected time period.
Torque: The rotational force produced around the ankle when force and lever arm are considered.
Rate of torque development: How quickly torque is produced.
Rate of force development: How quickly force is produced.
Time to peak: How long it takes to reach the highest force or torque value.
Fatigue index: How much performance declines across repeated or sustained efforts.
For seated calf raise testing, peak force is usually the primary score. Torque may be more meaningful than raw force when the lever arm is measured because the ankle works as a rotational joint. Rate of force development and time to peak may be relevant in sport or rapid-force contexts, but they should not be treated as automatically meaningful for every client.
The test may provide insight into:
knee-flexed plantarflexion force capacity
seated calf raise strength
soleus-biased plantarflexion strength
side-to-side force differences
confidence producing calf force
pain response during resisted plantarflexion
change in force over time
relationship between strength and function
It does not directly measure:
Achilles tendon structure
soleus or gastrocnemius tissue integrity
calf endurance
calf power
ankle range of motion
jumping ability
running capacity
tissue healing
readiness to return to running, sport or work
Explain the test clearly.
Example wording:
“We are going to measure how much force you can produce when pressing through the ball of your foot into the Muscle Meter. This is a strength test, not a diagnosis. Tell me if you feel pain, cramping, numbness or anything unusual.”
Use:
Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer or fixed dynamometry device
foot plate, flat pad, strap pad or suitable forefoot attachment
optional strap or fixed frame for stabilisation
chair, plinth, seated calf raise frame or testing rig
pain rating scale
Measurz recording workflow
Default method:
Push test / make test
The client pushes the forefoot downward into the stationary device or foot plate.
The professional holds or fixes the device in place.
Preferred for stronger clients:
Strap-stabilised or fixed test
The device or foot plate resists the plantarflexion force.
This reduces the influence of assessor strength.
Push and pull values should be recorded separately. Do not compare them unless the protocol supports that comparison.
Common seated position:
seated on a chair, plinth or testing bench
hip flexed around 90 degrees
knee flexed around 90 degrees, or the exact protocol angle
foot placed on a foot plate or against the device
ankle angle recorded, often neutral or dorsiflexed depending on setup
trunk upright
hands resting comfortably or holding handles if the setup provides them
Some seated plantarflexion protocols use greater knee flexion or a specific ankle dorsiflexion position. Research in professional rugby league players used a seated position with a flexed knee and maximal available dorsiflexion to measure maximal unilateral isometric plantarflexion strength.
Record the exact position used.
The professional should position themselves to:
stabilise the device or confirm the fixed setup is secure
monitor foot placement
observe ankle, knee and hip compensation
read the device safely
stop quickly if symptoms occur
Record:
knee angle
ankle angle
hip position
whether the heel is supported or free
whether the forefoot is on a plate, pad or strap
whether the test starts in neutral, dorsiflexion or plantarflexion
Joint angle matters. A 2024 study of isometric ankle plantarflexion testing found that reliability depended on ankle angle, with better reliability at 0 degrees than at 20 degrees of plantarflexion in that protocol.
Place the device or force plate under the forefoot, commonly near:
metatarsal heads
ball of the foot
distal plantar forefoot
fixed foot plate under the forefoot
Avoid placing the device too far under the toes if the goal is calf force rather than toe flexion force.
Record the landmark used.
Stabilise:
foot placement
knee angle
thigh position if needed
chair or plinth
testing frame or device
heel position if relevant
Avoid:
pushing through the toes only
lifting the hip
changing knee angle
sliding the foot
trunk leaning
using arms to assist
moving the device
bouncing or pulsing instead of holding force
A fixed setup is often more reliable than assessor-held resistance because seated plantarflexion can produce high forces.
The client attempts to plantarflex the ankle:
“press the ball of your foot down”
force is directed downward into the device or foot plate
the device resists the movement
the ankle should remain close to isometric, with minimal visible movement
Use consistent instructions:
“Build up gradually.”
“Press down through the ball of your foot.”
“Push as hard as you safely can.”
“Hold the effort.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Do not bounce.”
“Tell me if you feel pain or symptoms.”
Use:
1–2 submaximal practice trials
1 familiarisation maximal effort if needed
consistent cueing
enough rest before recorded trials
Familiarisation is important because clients may otherwise push through the toes, use the hip or change ankle position during the test.
A practical protocol:
2–4 recorded trials per side
3–5 second contraction
45–90 seconds rest between trials
same side tested first each time
record best trial or average of trials
One instrumented seated plantarflexion force study used the maximum value from four trials and reported excellent reliability in adults, showing that multiple trials can be useful when the setup is standardised.
Use the same method at retest.
Use enough rest to reduce fatigue:
45 seconds minimum for low-irritability testing
60–90 seconds for stronger clients or high-force testing
longer rest if pain, cramping or fatigue affects effort
Repeat or mark a trial invalid if:
foot slips
device moves
heel position changes when it should not
knee angle changes
client pushes mainly through the toes
hip lifts or trunk leans heavily
pain limits effort unexpectedly
the client does not understand the task
compensations make the result unreliable
Stop testing if the client reports:
sharp Achilles, calf, foot or ankle pain
cramping that does not settle
worsening neurological symptoms
dizziness or distress
numbness or unusual symptoms
inability to produce safe effort
For clients with acute calf injury, high-irritability Achilles symptoms, recent surgery, suspected rupture or significant swelling, use a lower-intensity test or defer maximal testing.
Retest using the same:
device
attachment
position
knee angle
ankle angle
foot placement
stabilisation
side order
number of trials
contraction duration
rest period
scoring method
unit of measurement
A push test usually means the client pushes into the Muscle Meter or force plate.
For seated calf raise testing:
the device or plate is under the forefoot
the client presses down through the ball of the foot
the device stays still
the score usually reflects peak force
Benefits:
practical
easy to understand
useful for baseline testing
closely matches a calf press action
Limitations:
handheld resistance may be difficult to stabilise
device placement affects results
toe gripping can influence force
ankle and knee angle must be consistent
A pull test may use a strap, cable or fixed attachment where the foot pushes or pulls against a fixed resistance.
Benefits:
may improve repeatability when fixed well
may reduce assessor strength influence
useful for stronger clients or repeated monitoring
Limitations:
requires more setup
strap placement must be consistent
values may differ from push testing
should be recorded separately
A fixed setup is usually preferred for seated calf raise testing because plantarflexion force can be high.
This is helpful when:
clients are strong
repeated testing matters
small changes are being tracked
multiple staff need to test consistently
torque or force-time metrics are being used
Push, pull and strap-stabilised scores should not be mixed unless the protocol and evidence support comparison.
Record the exact unit displayed by the device:
kilograms, kg
pounds, lb
Newtons, N
kilograms-force, kgf
pounds-force, lbf
Newton metres, Nm, if torque is calculated
percentage of body weight, %BW
In strict physics terms, force is measured in Newtons, while kilograms are a unit of mass. In applied dynamometry, some devices display force-equivalent values in kilograms. For practical Measurz recording, use the unit displayed by the device and keep the same unit across retesting.
If using the Muscle Meter alone, the primary score is usually peak force.
If using the Muscle Meter with Measurz, additional metrics may be available, including:
impulse
torque
rate of torque development
rate of force development
time to peak
fatigue index
For the Isometric Seated Calf Raise Test, peak force is usually the most practical primary metric. Torque is often valuable if the lever arm is measured. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful in sport or explosive tasks. Fatigue index is only relevant when repeated or sustained efforts are part of the protocol.
Do not present force-time metrics as diagnostic or clearance tools.
There is no fixed universal score range. Scores depend on:
device
units
body size
knee angle
ankle angle
foot placement
stabilisation
population
effort quality
pain or symptoms
scoring method
Record whether the final score is:
best trial
average of trials
peak force
left-right difference
percentage of body weight
torque, if calculated
Either best trial or average trial may be used if it is applied consistently.
A higher score may suggest:
greater seated plantarflexion force output
greater knee-flexed calf force capacity
improved ability to generate force against resistance
better side-to-side symmetry if the opposite side is similar
progress from baseline if the protocol is unchanged
A lower score may suggest:
reduced seated plantarflexion force output
pain-limited effort
calf or Achilles sensitivity
fatigue
cramping
guarding
reduced confidence
poor familiarisation
poor stabilisation
altered motor control
symptoms affecting effort
A lower score does not explain the reason for the difference on its own.
Torque can be calculated when force and lever arm are known.
Simple concept:
Torque = force × lever arm
Example:
force = 500 N
lever arm = 0.20 m
torque = 100 Nm
Torque may be useful because plantarflexion is a rotational action around the ankle. However, torque is only meaningful when the lever arm is measured consistently.
Side-to-side comparison can be useful when one side is affected.
Record:
left score
right score
difference in kg, lb, N or Nm
percentage difference
affected side
dominant side if relevant
Symmetry is useful, but symmetry alone does not confirm readiness or explain symptoms.
Percentage of body weight expresses force relative to body mass.
If the device displays kilograms:
Force in kg ÷ body mass in kg × 100 = percentage of body weight
If the device displays pounds:
Force in lb ÷ body weight in lb × 100 = percentage of body weight
If the device displays Newtons:
Force in N ÷ body weight in N × 100 = percentage of body weight
Example:
body mass = 80 kg
seated calf raise score = 120 kg
120 ÷ 80 × 100 = 150% body weight
A value of 100% body weight means the client produced force equal to their body weight. A value of 150% body weight means the client produced force equal to one and a half times their body weight.
Body weight percentage may help with:
comparing clients of different body sizes
interpreting force relative to the body the client needs to move
tracking changes if body mass changes
comparing to matched reference data
sport or running load-capacity discussions
Limitations:
body weight percentage values are test-specific
they should not be compared across different muscle groups
they should not be compared across different devices or protocols unless closely matched
they are not universal pass/fail thresholds
they should be interpreted with symptoms, function, goals and related findings
The score does not prove:
diagnosis
cause of weakness
Achilles tendon pathology
calf strain severity
soleus injury
nerve injury
tissue healing
readiness to run
readiness for sport
readiness for work duties
effectiveness of one intervention by itself
Published seated isometric plantarflexion values exist, but they are protocol-specific.
A study of professional rugby league athletes measured maximal unilateral isometric plantarflexion strength in a seated position with a flexed knee and maximal available dorsiflexion, and reported values normalised to body mass and playing position. This is useful sport-specific benchmark evidence, but it should not be applied as a universal cut-off for all clients or different setups.
A 2024 study found that isometric plantarflexion reliability depends on ankle angle and that body-mass normalisation improved reliability at neutral ankle position in that protocol. This supports using body-weight normalisation carefully when the setup is standardised.
The heel-rise test has more published endurance norms than seated isometric calf raise testing. A scoping review and meta-analysis noted that heel-rise test procedures vary and normative values are limited, which also reinforces caution when comparing calf test results across protocols.
For this exact Measurz Muscle Meter seated calf raise setup, broad universal norms or body-weight percentage thresholds are not appropriate unless the protocol and population match the reference source.
Use practical comparison guidance:
compare left and right sides
compare with the client’s own baseline
use the same device and unit
calculate % body weight if useful
calculate torque only if lever arm is measured
compare only with matched protocols where available
interpret with pain, calf capacity, gait, hopping and activity demands
avoid universal pass/fail thresholds
At the time of writing, high-quality peer-reviewed normative or body-weight percentage reference values for this exact Muscle Meter seated calf raise test, device, position and population appear limited. Interpretation should rely more heavily on baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison, repeated testing, internal benchmarks, client goals, symptoms, confidence, movement quality and related assessment findings.
In youth clients, seated calf raise testing may be useful for:
baseline strength profiling
monitoring growth-related changes
comparing sides after injury
tracking progress over time
A higher score may suggest greater force output in the tested position. A lower score may suggest reduced force output, but it may also reflect coordination, attention, test unfamiliarity or confidence.
In youth clients, changes in force output may reflect:
growth
maturation
improved coordination
familiarisation
strength adaptation
confidence
body size changes
Adult or elite athlete reference values should not be applied unless evidence clearly supports the comparison.
For general fitness clients, seated calf raise Muscle Meter testing is often most useful for:
baseline comparison
progress tracking
side-to-side comparison
education
monitoring response to training
A higher score may suggest greater seated plantarflexion force output. A lower score may suggest reduced force capacity, but it should be interpreted with activity level, symptoms, ankle mobility and test familiarity.
Repeated testing is usually more useful than one isolated value.
In older adults, calf strength may be relevant to:
walking
stairs
sit-to-stand and step tasks
balance confidence
daily movement
Older adults may need:
slower ramp-up
more familiarisation
longer rest
cautious effort cues
careful symptom monitoring
In older adults, calf testing can provide useful context about force capacity, but it should be interpreted alongside balance, gait, falls risk factors, confidence, symptoms and daily function. One seated calf force score should not be treated as a single predictor of independence or falls risk.
For athletes, seated calf raise strength may be relevant to:
running
acceleration
deceleration
jumping
landing
change of direction
Achilles/calf load capacity monitoring
return-to-training monitoring
A higher force score may suggest greater knee-flexed plantarflexion capacity in the tested position, but sport performance also depends on:
rate of force development
impulse
stiffness
power
reactive strength
tendon capacity
calf endurance
running mechanics
workload tolerance
sport skill
For athletes, Measurz force-time metrics may be useful when the protocol is designed well. For example:
Rate of force development may provide context for explosive sport demands.
Impulse may help describe force sustained over a selected time.
Time to peak may show whether force is produced quickly or slowly.
Fatigue index may be useful only in repeated-effort protocols.
These metrics still should not be treated as diagnostic or clearance tools.
In workplace or occupational settings, seated calf raise testing may provide context for:
walking
stairs
ladders
prolonged standing
carrying tasks
repeated stepping
uneven surfaces
The score should be interpreted alongside:
job demands
symptoms
footwear
fatigue
balance
gait
task exposure
professional judgement
Do not use one force score to clear a worker for full duties.
For clients returning after calf, Achilles, ankle, foot, knee or lower-limb injury, seated calf raise testing may help monitor:
side-to-side force recovery
confidence producing force
pain during resisted plantarflexion
baseline-to-retest change
relationship with heel raise, hop, gait and running tasks
A side-to-side difference may provide useful monitoring information, but symmetry alone does not confirm readiness or explain symptoms.
Pain may reduce force output through:
guarding
apprehension
reduced confidence
fatigue
cramping
symptom flare
unfamiliarity with loading
A lower force score may reflect reduced force capacity, pain, guarding, apprehension, fatigue or test unfamiliarity. It should not be used to explain the cause of pain on its own.
Always record pain during the test.
A client may produce a high absolute force score but a lower value relative to body weight.
This may be relevant for bodyweight tasks such as:
walking
running
stair climbing
stepping
jumping
changing direction
Body-weight percentage can help contextualise force relative to the body being moved, but it should be interpreted with function, symptoms and goals.
Reliability describes how consistent the test is when repeated.
Validity describes whether the test measures what it is intended to measure.
SEM estimates measurement error around a score.
MDC estimates how much change may be needed to exceed measurement error.
Typical error and coefficient of variation help explain normal variation across repeated testing.
A 2024 instrumented seated isometric plantarflexion force study reported excellent test-retest reliability in adults using a force plate and custom apparatus, supporting the value of standardised seated plantarflexion testing when the setup is controlled.
A 2025 study of isometric ankle plantarflexion strength using a handheld dynamometer with a belt and metal plate found reliability evidence in young healthy adults, but also reported limitations in validity depending on examiner and comparison method. This supports using belt-stabilised or fixed setups and interpreting handheld values cautiously.
A 2024 isokinetic dynamometer study reported that reliability of isometric plantarflexor assessment depended on ankle angle, with better results at neutral ankle position than at 20 degrees plantarflexion in that protocol.
A 2023 portable articulated dynamometer study reported excellent accuracy and reliability for ankle strength measurements including plantarflexion, showing that portable devices can perform well when the method is controlled.
For the exact Measurz Muscle Meter seated calf raise protocol, high-quality peer-reviewed evidence reporting SEM, MDC, typical error or coefficient of variation appears limited unless the device, position and stabilisation match a published protocol.
Reliability is stronger when you standardise:
device
attachment
knee angle
ankle angle
client position
foot placement
stabilisation
force direction
contraction duration
rest period
trial selection method
symptom recording
A change is more meaningful when:
it exceeds known measurement error for a matching protocol
it is repeated across sessions
it aligns with improved function
symptoms are stable or improved
effort quality is consistent
the same device and setup were used
Common errors include:
not recording knee angle
not recording ankle angle
changing foot placement at retest
placing the device under the toes instead of the forefoot
allowing hip lift or trunk compensation
allowing the foot to slide
not stabilising the device
using assessor-held resistance for very strong clients
mixing kg, lb and N without conversion
not recording pain during the test
treating the score as a diagnosis
using symmetry as the only readiness marker
assuming every Measurz force-time metric is relevant to every test
Limitations include:
handheld resistance can be difficult for high-force plantarflexion
device placement affects results
knee and ankle angles affect force output
pain and apprehension can reduce effort
cramping can affect later trials
normative values are protocol-specific
body-weight percentage values are not universal
torque requires an accurate lever arm
rate of force development requires high-quality time-series data
fatigue index requires repeated or sustained effort testing
the test measures force in one position, not full calf performance
The Isometric Seated Calf Raise Test may help with:
baseline calf strength testing
monitoring knee-flexed plantarflexion strength
left-right comparison
calf and Achilles load-capacity tracking
ankle and foot injury progress tracking
running and jumping preparation context
sport performance support
workplace task assessment
client education
It is most useful when combined with:
standing calf raise testing
heel-rise endurance testing
ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
ankle plantarflexion range of motion
calf raise capacity
hop or jump testing where appropriate
gait and running observation
pain and symptom notes
footwear and workload history
Record:
test name: Isometric Seated Calf Raise Test
muscle group or movement: seated plantarflexion / seated calf raise
test type: push test, pull test, make test, strap-stabilised or fixed
device used: Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer, force plate or other
attachment used: foot plate, flat pad, strap or other
side tested: left or right
dominance if relevant
score/result
primary metric: usually peak force
additional metrics if used:
impulse
torque
rate of torque development
rate of force development
time to peak
fatigue index
units: kg, lb, N, kgf, lbf, Nm or %BW
body mass if calculating body-weight percentage
lever arm if calculating torque
trial number
best score or average score
client position: seated
hip angle
knee angle
ankle angle
foot placement landmark
heel position
stabilisation method
force direction
contraction duration
rest period
client instructions
pain score
symptom location
symptoms during testing
compensations:
hip lift
trunk lean
foot slide
toe gripping
knee movement
arm assistance
effort quality
confidence
invalid trials
comparison side
baseline comparison
retest date
related findings:
standing calf raise
heel-rise endurance
ankle ROM
Achilles symptoms
gait
hop or jump tests
running tolerance
notes on interpretation
referral or further assessment notes if appropriate
Recording these details improves:
repeatability
communication
client education
assessment reasoning
monitoring over time
team consistency
reporting quality
It measures isometric plantarflexion force in a seated knee-flexed position, usually by having the client press the forefoot into a Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer or fixed force setup.
When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test.
When the Muscle Meter is used with Measurz, the assessment may support additional metrics such as impulse, torque, rate of force development, rate of torque development, time to peak and fatigue index. These metrics are only meaningful when the test setup and data quality support them.
No test fully isolates one muscle. The seated knee-flexed position reduces gastrocnemius contribution compared with a straight-knee position and is often used to bias the soleus, but other plantarflexors still contribute.
The common Muscle Meter version is a push or make test. The client presses the forefoot downward into a stationary device. Strap-stabilised or fixed setups may also be used and are often preferred for stronger clients.
A lower score may suggest reduced force output in that position, but it does not explain why. Pain, fatigue, cramping, guarding, poor familiarisation, symptoms or poor setup may all influence the result.
If the device displays kilograms, divide force in kg by body mass in kg and multiply by 100. For example, 120 kg ÷ 80 kg × 100 = 150% body weight.
No. It may show reduced force or pain during testing, but it does not diagnose the cause. It should be interpreted with symptoms, history, ankle range of motion, calf endurance, gait, loading history and related findings.
No. It can support strength monitoring, but return-to-running or sport reasoning should also consider symptoms, calf endurance, hopping, jumping, running exposure, workload, fatigue, confidence and professional judgement.
The Isometric Seated Calf Raise Test measures knee-flexed plantarflexion force.
The seated position is often used to bias the soleus, but it does not isolate one muscle completely.
The Muscle Meter alone primarily measures peak force.
When used with Measurz, additional metrics such as impulse, torque, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index may be recorded or analysed when relevant.
Peak force is usually the most useful primary metric for this test.
Torque may be useful if the ankle lever arm is measured.
Record the exact device, attachment, knee angle, ankle angle, foot placement and units.
Body-weight percentage can help compare force relative to body size but is not a universal pass/fail value.
Reliability depends on consistent setup, stabilisation, device placement and instructions.
Measurz should record score, units, side, trials, pain, symptoms, body mass, comparison side and retest conditions.
Bohannon, R. W. (2022). The heel-raise test for ankle plantarflexor strength: A scoping review and meta-analysis of studies providing norms. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 34(7), 528–531. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.34.528
Lee, M. J., et al. (2024). Excellent reliability for an instrumented test of ankle plantarflexion force. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. https://ijspt.scholasticahq.com/article/128591-excellent-reliability-for-an-instrumented-test-of-ankle-plantarflexion-force
Moraux, A., Canal, A., Ollivier, G., Ledoux, I., Doppler, V., Payan, C., & Hogrel, J.-Y. (2013). Ankle dorsi- and plantar-flexion torques measured by dynamometry in healthy subjects from 5 to 80 years. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 14, 104. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-14-104
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