The Claim
In resistance-trained individuals, performing calf raises with initial partial range of motion (from maximal dorsiflexion to neutral) for 8 weeks results in a slightly greater increase in medial gastrocnemius muscle thickness (mean increase: 9.5%) compared to full-range repetitions followed by past-failure partials (mean increase: 6.7%), though the difference of 0.40 mm is uncertain and not statistically conclusive.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
If you're someone who lifts weights and you do calf raises using only part of the motion for 8 weeks, your calf muscles might grow a little more than if you do full-range reps plus extra partials at the end—but the difference is so small that we can't be sure it's real.
See the scientific wording
In resistance-trained individuals, performing calf raises with initial partial range of motion (from maximal dorsiflexion to neutral) for 8 weeks results in a slightly greater increase in medial gastrocnemius muscle thickness (mean increase: 9.5%) compared to full-range repetitions followed by past-failure partials (mean increase: 6.7%), though the difference of 0.40 mm is uncertain and not statistically conclusive.
What the research says
1 studyThis study found that doing calf raises only partway up at the start might make your calf muscles grow a tiny bit more than doing full movements and then pushing past failure, but the difference is so small that we can't be totally sure it's real.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.