Effects of inclination in Farmer’s Carry: muscle properties and strength
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v81.118938Keywords:
Farmer’s carry, Grip strength, Incline walking, Lower‑limb asymmetry, Muscle mechanical propertiesAbstract
Introduction: The farmer’s carry is a loaded‑carry exercise in which an individual walks a distance while holding heavy loads in each hand, requiring substantial grip strength, whole‑body stability, and coordinated lower‑limb force production.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the acute effects of a light‑load inclined farmer’s carry protocol on grip strength, rectus femoris muscle mechanical properties, and lower‑limb asymmetries.
Methodology: Twelve healthy young adults completed a continuous treadmill walk at 4 km/h while carrying two 10kg dumbbells, progressing through five incline stages (0–8%), each corresponding to 50 meters. Grip strength and muscle mechanical properties were recorded after each stage during a 1‑minute rest.
Results: Significant grip strength reductions were observed in both hands, with decreases of 10.10% in the dominant side (p < 0.05, η²p = 0.61) and 8.50% in the non‑dominant side (p < 0.05, η²p = 0.41). Also, a significant decrease in logarithmic decrement was detected in the dominant side (p = 0.04, W = 0.19). At baseline, 0, 2 and 6% were also observed significant differences between the dominant side and non-dominant side in logarithmic decrement. Conclusions: Overall, inclined farmer’s carry efforts primarily induced peripheral, grip‑specific fatigue, with minimal alterations in rectus femoris muscle mechanical properties, supporting the use of inclines to safely increase task difficulty without excessive mechanical stress.
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