Influence of the direction of motion at the ankle joint on calf muscles activities during a heel-raise exercise in the standing position

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of our study was to analyze the influence of the direction of motion at the ankle joint on calf muscle activities during a heel-raise exercise. [Subjects] Ten healthy male volunteers participated in this study. [Methods] The levels of activity of the gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and peroneal longus were compared across 3 tasks: plantarflexion and dorsiflexion with supination of the ankle joint, pronation and supination at 0° plantarflexion, and pronation and supination at maximum plantarflexion. [Results] The gastrocnemius medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis showed significantly lower muscle activities during pronation and supination at 0° plantarflexion than during the other tasks. There was significantly increased activity of the peroneal longus during pronation and supination at maximum plantar flexion compared to the other tasks. [Conclusion] The direction of motion at the ankle joint during a heel-raise exercise should be selected taking account of the muscular strength of the calf muscles. © 2012, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.