The Claim

Heel-raise training induces a significantly greater percentage increase in soleus muscle thickness (approximately 12.7%) compared to the gastrocnemius medialis (approximately 6.6%) in elderly women, demonstrating a preferential hypertrophic response that makes this exercise an efficient method for isolated lower-leg muscle development in older populations.

Source: Regular heel-raise training focused on the soleus for the elderly: evaluation of muscle thickness by ultrasound.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
40score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Doing heel raises builds the deep calf muscle much more than the outer calf muscle in older women. This means the exercise is really good for specifically targeting and strengthening the lower leg without working the whole calf equally.

See the scientific wording

Heel-raise training produces a significantly greater percentage increase in soleus muscle thickness (approximately 12.7%) compared to the gastrocnemius medialis (approximately 6.6%) in elderly women. This differential hypertrophic response indicates that this specific exercise preferentially targets the deep soleus muscle over adjacent superficial calf muscles, making it a highly efficient method for isolated lower-leg muscle development in older populations.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Regular heel-raise training focused on the soleus for the elderly: evaluation of muscle thickness by ultrasound.

    The study shows that doing standing heel raises helps the deep soleus muscle in older women grow much more than the outer calf muscle, making it a great exercise for targeted leg strengthening.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.