Single-Leg Calf Raise Normative Data by Age and Sex

Calf endurance plays a critical role in walking efficiency, balance, athletic performance, and injury resilience. Despite this, it is often under-assessed. One of the simplest and most effective ways to evaluate it is the single-leg calf raise test.

This test is quick, requires no equipment, and provides valuable insight into plantarflexor endurance and lower-limb function across different age groups.

What the Single-Leg Calf Raise Test Assesses

The single-leg calf raise primarily reflects:

• Triceps surae muscular endurance

• Repeated force production at the ankle

• Lower-limb load tolerance

• Balance and postural control under fatigue

Reduced repetition capacity has been associated with altered gait mechanics, reduced push-off during walking and running, and increased demands placed on proximal joints.

Normative Single-Leg Calf Raise Values

 Age- and sex-based normative values for maximum repetitions are shown in the image above:

• 20–29 years

  • Males: 37 reps

  • Females: 31 reps

• 40–49 years

  • Males: 28 reps

  • Females: 25 reps

• 60–69 years

  • Males: 19 reps

  • Females: 19 reps

• 80+ years

  • Males: 10 reps

  • Females: 14 reps

These values highlight a clear, progressive decline in calf endurance with age, while also demonstrating meaningful differences between sexes at certain stages of life.

Why This Data Matters

Screening and Baseline Assessment

Low repetition counts may indicate:

• Reduced calf endurance

• Decreased ankle load tolerance

• Compromised balance during repeated plantarflexion

This is particularly relevant for individuals reporting lower-limb fatigue, difficulty with prolonged walking, or reduced push-off during gait.

Tracking Progress Over Time

Because the test is simple and highly repeatable, it is well suited to:

• Monitoring rehabilitation or training progress

• Assessing adaptations to strength and endurance programs

• Identifying meaningful change over time

Improvements or declines in repetition capacity provide objective feedback beyond subjective reports of fatigue or confidence.

Age-Appropriate Interpretation

Calf endurance naturally decreases with age due to:

• Reductions in muscle mass and tendon stiffness

• Changes in neuromuscular efficiency

• Increased balance demands during single-leg tasks

Normative data helps ensure results are interpreted relative to age-matched expectations, avoiding unrealistic targets or unnecessary concern about normal age-related change.

Real-World Case Example

A 65-year-old individual completes a single-leg calf raise test and achieves 14 repetitions on their stronger side.

In isolation, this may seem acceptable. However, when compared to normative values for adults aged 60–69 (≈19 repetitions), performance falls below expected capacity.

Key insight:
Without normative context, this deficit may be overlooked. With reference data, it becomes clear that targeted calf endurance work may be beneficial to support walking efficiency and lower-limb resilience.

Practical Takeaway

The single-leg calf raise test is a fast, low-cost, and informative measure of lower-limb endurance.

When interpreted using age- and sex-matched normative data, it helps practitioners:

• Identify meaningful deficits

• Set realistic and defensible goals

• Track progress objectively

• Communicate results clearly with clients

Calf endurance is not just an athletic consideration — it is fundamental to efficient movement and long-term lower-limb function.

Reference

Hébert-Losier, K., Wessman, C., Alricsson, M., & Svantesson, U. (2017). Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(2), 85–94.