title: Design and reliability of a novel heel rise test measuring device for plantarflexion endurance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Plantarflexion results from the combined action of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in the calf. The heel rise test is commonly used to test calf muscle endurance, function, and performance by a wide variety of professionals; however, no uniform description of the test is available. This paper aims to document the construction and reliability of a novel heel rise test device and measurement protocol that is suitable for the needs of most individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  This device was constructed from compact and lightweight materials and is fully adjustable, enabling the testing of a wide variety of individuals. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, ensuring that it is portable for use in different settings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We tested reliability on 40 participants, finding excellent interrater reliability (ICC2,1 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98). Limits of agreement were less than two repetitions in 90% of cases and the Bland-Altman plot showed no bias.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have designed a novel, standardized, simple, and reliable device and measurement protocol for the heel rise test which can be used by researchers and clinicians in a variety of settings.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus C42, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia.
authors.forename: Amy D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Sman
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus C42, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia.
authors.forename: Claire E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Hiller
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus C42, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3862-5367
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Imer
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus C42, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia.
authors.forename: Aldrin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ocsing
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus C42, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia ; Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7936-623X
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus C42, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia.
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Refshauge
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D006365:Heel / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*