What is an example action for the tibialis anterior?

The tibialis anterior is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion of the ankle, which means it helps to lift the foot upwards towards the shin. An example of an action that effectively engages the tibialis anterior is a toe raise, where one lifts the toes while keeping the heel on the ground. This movement requires the contraction of the tibialis anterior to pull the foot up.

In contrast, calf raises primarily target the muscles of the posterior compartment of the lower leg, such as the gastrocnemius and soleus, which are responsible for plantarflexion (pointing the toes down). Squats and lateral lunges involve a broader range of muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, and do not specifically isolate the action of the tibialis anterior. Therefore, a toe raise distinctly highlights the function of the tibialis anterior in controlling dorsiflexion.