Do initial and past-failure partial reps increase calf muscle thickness in weightlifters?

The evidence we’ve reviewed suggests that for people who lift weights, incorporating partial repetitions—whether at the beginning of a set or after reaching failure on a full-range movement—could be associated with increases in calf muscle size over an 8-week period. We did not find any studies or data that show these methods do not work or lead to less growth. However, the total number of assertions reviewed is very small—only one—and it does not include details like sample size, training volume, or how muscle thickness was measured.

Because we only have one assertion to work with, and no studies or comparisons to other methods, we cannot say whether partial reps are more effective than full-range movements, or if the results apply to all weightlifters. The evidence leans toward a possible benefit, but it is limited in scope and depth.

If you’re a weightlifter looking to target your calves, trying partial reps after failure or at the start of a set might be worth exploring as part of your routine—but it’s too early to say whether this approach is uniquely helpful compared to other methods.