The functional and clinical significance of the soleus muscle: An underestimated and overlooked player in running? Die funktionelle und klinische Bedeutung des M. soleus: Ein unterschätzter und übersehener Player im Laufsport?

Hotfiel T, Engelhardt M, Grim C, Heiß R, Perl M, Pasurka M, Hammer CM (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Sport-Orthopädie, Sport-Traumatologie Elsevier

DOI: 10.1016/j.orthtr.2026.06.009

Abstract

The musculus soleus (soleus muscle) is one of the largest and most important muscles of the lower leg. During the gait and running cycle, it plays a central role—particularly in the midstance and terminal stance phases—in stabilizing the foot and lower leg. Owing to its specific biomechanical and physiological properties, the soleus muscle is of particular importance in endurance-based running activities. It contributes substantially to stability and enables efficient force transmission, thereby supporting energy-efficient locomotion. Despite its functional specialization and high load tolerance, the soleus muscle is susceptible to structural and functional dysfunctions under conditions of repetitive loading. Chronic overuse injuries often manifest as insidious and progressively developing, initially subclinical impairments of muscle function. In running sports, these may present as subtle strength deficits, reduced performance capacity, and load-induced, sometimes cramp-like pain symptoms, ultimately leading to exercise intolerance. A differentiated understanding of the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the soleus muscle forms the basis for targeted diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, it is essential for the implementation of specific training strategies, taking into account established principles of exercise science, in order to achieve targeted adaptation and functional optimization of this muscle.

Authors with CRIS profile

Thilo Hotfiel Medizinische Fakultät Markus Perl Lehrstuhl für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie Mario Pasurka Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Involved external institutions

Klinikum Osnabrück DE Germany (DE) Gesellschaft für Orthopädisch-Traumatologische Sportmedizin (GOTS) DE Germany (DE) University of Fribourg / Universitè de Fribourg CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Hotfiel, T., Engelhardt, M., Grim, C., Heiß, R., Perl, M., Pasurka, M., & Hammer, C.M. (2026). The functional and clinical significance of the soleus muscle: An underestimated and overlooked player in running? Die funktionelle und klinische Bedeutung des M. soleus: Ein unterschätzter und übersehener Player im Laufsport? Sport-Orthopädie, Sport-Traumatologie. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orthtr.2026.06.009

MLA:

Hotfiel, Thilo, et al. "The functional and clinical significance of the soleus muscle: An underestimated and overlooked player in running? Die funktionelle und klinische Bedeutung des M. soleus: Ein unterschätzter und übersehener Player im Laufsport?" Sport-Orthopädie, Sport-Traumatologie (2026).

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