Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis of Healthy Participants
Published on: April 15, 2020
Scientific bases and clinical utilisation of the calf-raise test
Kim Hébert-Losier1, Anthony G Schneiders, Richard J Newsham-West
1Centre for Physiotherapy Research University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. hebki997@student.otago.ac.nz
Background:
Athletes commonly sustain injuries to the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit. The calf-raise test (CRT) is frequently employed in sports medicine for the detection and monitoring of such injuries. However, despite being widely-used, a recent systematic review found no universal consensus relating to the test's purpose, parameters, and standard protocols.
Objectives:
The purpose of this paper is to provide a clinical perspective on the anatomo-physiological bases underpinning the CRT and to discuss the utilisation of the test in relation to the structure and function of the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit.
Design:
Structured narrative review.
Methods:
Nine electronic databases were searched using keywords and MESH headings related to the CRT and the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit anatomy and physiology. A hand-search of reference lists and relevant journals and textbooks complemented the electronic search.
Summary:
There is evidence supporting the clinical use of the CRT to assess soleus and gastrocnemius, their shared aponeurosis, the Achilles tendon, and the combined triceps surae muscle-tendon unit. However, employing the same clinical test to assess all these structures and their associated functions remains challenging.
Conclusions:
Further refinement of the CRT for the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit is needed. This is vital to support best practice utilisation, standardisation, and interpretation of the CRT in sports medicine.
