Midfoot and Ankle Mechanics in Block and Incline Heel Raise Exercises

Abstract

Chiu, LZF and Dæhlin, TE. Midfoot and ankle mechanics in block and incline heel raise exercises. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3308–3314, 2021—Although the heel raise exercise is performed to strengthen the calf muscles, the combination of calf muscle and ground reaction forces elicits moments that may deform the foot's longitudinal arch. The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine whether the foot muscles contribute to supporting the longitudinal arch during heel raises. The secondary purpose was to compare foot and ankle mechanical efforts between traditional block vs. 22° incline heel raises. Six women and 6 men performed heel raises with body mass plus a barbell loaded with 40% (BM + 40%) and 60% (BM + 60%) of their body mass. Three-dimensional motion analysis and force platform data were collected. The midfoot joint was evaluated from the angle between the forefoot and rearfoot (i.e., arch angle) and net joint moment, which may elevate or reduce the arch height. Midfoot joint arch elevator moment seemed to be greater for BM + 60% than BM + 40% (p < 0.05; Cohen's d = 1.24–1.61), with minimal change in arch angle (p < 0.05; Cohen's d = 0.15–0.19). Midfoot joint arch elevator and ankle plantar flexor moments seemed to be greater in incline vs. block heel raises for both loads (p < 0.05; Cohen's d = 0.58–0.67). The increase in midfoot joint arch elevator moment with trivial change in arch angle supports the hypothesis that the foot muscles contribute to longitudinal arch support during heel raises. Performing incline heel raises may be hypothesized to be more effective to stimulate foot and calf muscle adaptations than block heel raises.

Association of Fusion of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint and Pes Planus Deformity Correction

“…However, as the hallux can no longer go into hyperextension, the plantar fascia and the intrinsic musculature cannot exert their influence to the fullest extent. 4 We found that there was a median increase in the first MTPJ angle following fusion, conveying an increase in fixed dorsiflexion and therefore would mirror Lombardi’s findings, rather than acting as a “kickstand” of the first metatarsal and the medial arch.…”

“…However, as the hallux can no longer go into hyperextension, the plantar fascia and the intrinsic musculature cannot exert their influence to the fullest extent. 4 We found that there was a median increase in the first MTPJ angle following fusion, conveying an increase in fixed dorsiflexion and therefore would mirror Lombardi's findings, rather than acting as a "kickstand" of the first metatarsal and the medial arch. Dayton et al 5 systematic review on intermetatarsal angle after first MTPJ fusion showed significant reductions in cases where the preoperative intermetatarsal angle was greater than or less than 15 degrees.…”

“…28 Lateral, anteroposterior and hindfoot alignment weightbearing radiographs are the standard investigation to assess for the presence of pes planus. 4 Radiologic assessment of the MLA usually comprises a series of measurements completed on the weightbearing radiographs. 12 A patient is usually considered to have pes planus if their Meary angle is >4 degrees, although this is not the only relevant radiologic measurement.…”

“Knees Out” or “Knees In”? Volitional Lateral vs. Medial Hip Rotation During Barbell Squats

“…Therefore, even if the multivariate ANOVA, univariate ANOVA, and Bonferroni's corrected t-test were all significant, but the difference was less than the minimum effect worth detecting, the difference would not be considered as meaningful. The importance of establishing the minimum effect worth detecting is based on recent experimental studies comparing exercises that have found no difference in training adaptations even when moderate effect size biomechanical differences exist between the exercises (6,9,15,16).…”