Normative values for maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the plantarflexors: A large observational cross-sectional study

This study measured how strong the calf muscles are in over 544 healthy adults to create a set of normal reference values. Participants pushed their foot downward as hard as they could in two positions, and their strongest effort was recorded. Men were generally stronger than women, strength decreased with age, and people with higher body weight showed higher overall force but not necessarily more strength relative to their size. These results provide useful benchmarks for evaluating muscle strength in rehabilitation, clinical assessment, and research.