NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What position of the knee is necessary to fully stretch the gastrocnemius when the ankle is in full dorsiflexion?

1. Flexed

2. Partially extended

3. Fully extended

4. Locked

The correct answer is: Fully extended

To fully stretch the gastrocnemius muscle, the knee must be in a fully extended position when the ankle is in full dorsiflexion. The gastrocnemius has dual roles, as it functions across both the knee and the ankle joints. When the ankle is dorsiflexed, this position elongates the gastrocnemius through the ankle, but to achieve maximum stretch, the knee needs to be straightened as well. In a fully extended knee position, the gastrocnemius is stretched to its greatest capacity, allowing for the muscle to be elongated effectively. If the knee is flexed or even partially extended, the muscle tends to be shortened and will not experience the maximum stretch. Dorsiflexion alone isn't sufficient for stretching the gastrocnemius; the position of the knee plays a critical role in this biomechanical relationship. Thus, having the knee in a fully extended position while the ankle is in full dorsiflexion creates the optimal angle and length for the gastrocnemius, facilitating a complete stretch of the muscle.