The Mid-Thigh Pull (MTP) test is a common assessment used to measure maximal isometric strength, particularly of the lower body. This test is used in athletic performance assessments, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning. While specific normative data for the MTP varies depending on the...
Understanding Pain Pressure Threshold Testing: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Pain pressure threshold (PPT) testing is a valuable diagnostic tool used in clinical settings to assess the sensitivity of tissues to pressure. By measuring the minimum force that induces pain, healthcare providers,...
There are so many alternatives & modifications for this simple exercise, so here are some of our favourites & when we would use them.
Single leg calf raises
Why? bread & butter here, but this simple exercise can take you far!
Seated calf raise:
Why? In this position, it...
Injured your calf? Calf tightness? Think a few simple bodyweight calf raises will get you sorted? Think again!
Firstly let's look at the contribution of the calves when running, & in short, they do a LOT of work. The larger of the calf muscles, the soleus, is highly important for running...
Whilst it's not as big a player as many other muscles during running, the glute max plays a role nonetheless! After all, the glute max is the BIGGEST muscle in our body, so it's got to be doing something!
The glute max is most active during the initial contact phase of running as it resists...
Stiff, tight calves? Here are a couple of tests that we use to assess calf flexibility & how we use them.
First up, we have the Weight-bearing lunge test, also known as the knee-to-wall test. With the toes facing straight forward, drive the knee as far forward as possible, ensuring the...
The paratenon can be a cause of tendon pain, but what is it & how can it be fixed?
The paratenon is a sheath that covers the Achilles’ tendon which can get irritated & cause tendon pain. Its' function is to protect the Achilles tendon & reduce the friction between the tendon...
When looking at the isometric strength of Spine flexion and Extension there are multiple positions with limited reliability. We generally find these positions are not suited for clinical practice and recommend testing the spine strength with other assessments, which Measurz contains many!
In the...
For runners, the quest for speed and efficiency is perpetual. While pounding the pavement and clocking in miles have been staples in every runner's regimen, the role of strength training in enhancing performance has been a topic of debate. Recent studies shed light on the impact of various...
If we again delve into Tim Dorn’s 2012 study on the contribution of various muscles in running, we see the hip flexors (iliopsoas) performing close to 2 x bodyweight of work at slower speeds, but with an increased contribution at faster speeds, to the point where at 9 metres per second, the...
Ever wondered how your calf raise technique can impact different muscles in the calf group? Let's explore the science behind knee-bent vs. knee-straight calf raises!
Muscle Trio:
The calf muscle group comprises three main players – the medial gastrocnemius, the lateral gastrocnemius,...
Progressive loading of the Achilles tendon
A neat study has recently been published by Baxter et al, which examined the Achilles tendon load in common exercises & compared them to walking and running.
Our previous post discussed the importance of doing more than just calf...