Question

Describe the difference between performing heel raises with your knees straight versus your knees bent. What muscles are being activated with each activity? With this knowledge, how would it change the way these muscles get stretched?

PLEASE BE DESCRIPTIVE WITH RESPONSE

Answer 1

The heel or calf raise can be performed in two manners with knee flexion (bent) and with knee extension (straight). The calf raise in knee flexion is performed in sitting position or in bridging position which activates the soleus muscle and lessen the stretch of the gastrocnemius muscle in the leg. The weight may be loaded to strengthen the soleus muscle. With this knowledge the soleus can be stretched by bending the knees to 45° and raise the calf.

The calf raise with knee extension is performed in standing position by simply raising the heel against the floor which activates the gastrocnemius muscle and lessen the stretch of soleus. Weight may be loaded to strengthen the gastrocnemius. To stretch the gastrocnemius with this knowledge keep the leg in walk standing position. The backward knee straight and the forward knee bend. Push the body load on the forward knee that is bended and that will stretch the gastrocnemius.