Asymmetrical Loading of the Human Triceps Surae: II. Differences in Calcaneal Moments

Abstract

An in vitro experimental study is presented investigating differences in moments calculated at the calcaneus, resulting from tensile forces input in various configurations of triceps surae muscles. Results indicated significantly higher values for plantarflexion moments when forces were input in both gastrocnemii than in the soleus ( P ≤ 0.05). Tensile force applied solely to the gastrocnemius lateralis produced a mean eversion moment at the calcaneus, whereas all other configurations demonstrated the expected inversion moment. An abduction moment was reported throughout. The presented data provides valuable input for optimizing future biomechanical models.