Definition: "An ergogenic aid is any substance or phenomenon that enhances performance "
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15.03.2011 |
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Fancy footwork gives calves a better workout
Bodybuilders looking for bigger calves may get better results by doing their calf-raises alternately with their toes turned out and turned in. Sports scientists from Armstrong Atlantic State University have published their findings in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
Study
The researchers placed electrodes on the medial and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. This enabled them to measure how hard the calf muscles had to work.
The subjects did their free-weight calf-raise in the classical way [Neutral], but also with their toes turned inwards [Internal rotation, left-hand photo below] and with their toes turned outwards [External rotation, right-hand photo].
Results
The graphs indicate that during the concentric phase you stimulate the lateral head more if your toes are turned inwards. During the eccentric phase you stimulate the medial head better if your feet are turned outwards. And before you ask: yes, the differences are statistically significant.
Conclusion
Source:
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