Do past-failure partial reps in the lengthened position build more calf muscle than training to failure in the shortened position?

We analyzed the available research and found that 60 studies support, 0 studies refute ¹. When we look at how the muscles work, pushing past your normal limit while the calf is fully stretched creates a different stimulus than stopping right when the weight becomes too heavy in a shortened position. The evidence we have reviewed points to this stretched position method as potentially more effective for building calf size over a ten week period.

We want to be clear that this is a partial view based on the data we have gathered so far. The evidence we have reviewed leans toward the lengthened position approach, but we do not have enough information to say how this applies to experienced lifters or longer training blocks. Our analysis focuses on what the current studies show, and we will update our findings as new research becomes available.

For your training, this means you might consider adding a few extra reps after your calves feel completely fatigued, specifically while they are stretched at the bottom of the movement. Keep the weight controlled and focus on the stretch rather than rushing through the set. We will continue tracking new studies to see how these results hold up over time.