Scientific bases and clinical utilisation of the calf-raise test.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hébert-Losier
Kim
K
Centre for Physiotherapy Research University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. hebki997@student.otago.ac.nz
Schneiders
Anthony G
AG
Newsham-West
Richard J
RJ
Sullivan
S John
SJ
D000125:Achilles Tendon; D032921:Consensus; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D013178:Sports Medicine