Mixed
Performing past-failure partial repetitions in the lengthened position after reaching momentary failure during standing calf raises increases medial gastrocnemius hypertrophy compared to terminating sets at momentary failure in peak plantarflexion.
If you do calf raises, don't stop when you can no longer lift your heels all the way up. Once you fail a full repetition, immediately drop the heel as low as possible and do partial up-and-down movements until you can't lift your heels to that lowest point anymore. This adds significant volume and tension to the muscle, leading to more growth than stopping at the point of failure. Expect it to be uncomfortable, but for many, the extra growth is worth it.
The main findings were that the PLANTARMF and DORSIVF legs increased medial gastrocnemius hypertrophy by 6.7 and +9.6%, respectively. The results identified an ATE favouring the inclusion of additional partial repetitions (0.62 [95%CrI: 0.21–1.0 mm; p(>0) = 0.998]) with ‘strong’ evidence (BF = 13.3) supporting a priori hypothesis.
Why this rating
High-quality within-participant design, pre-registered hypothesis, strong Bayesian evidence (BF=13.3), but limited to untrained men and a single exercise.
Source
Resistance training beyond momentary failure: the effects of past-failure partials on muscle hypertrophy in the gastrocnemius
Stian Larsen et al. · Frontiers in Psychology · 2025
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