Two types of eccentric exercises were used (Fig. 1). The calf muscle was eccentrically loaded both with the knee straight (Figs. 1, A and B) and, to maximize the activation of the soleus muscle, also with the knee bent (Fig. 1C). Each of the two exercises included 15 repetitions done in 3 sets (3 # 15 repetitions). The patients were told that muscle soreness during the first 1 to 2 weeks of training was to be expected.