Abstract
The Farmer’s Walk is a functional loaded gait exercise that integrates strength, balance, and postural control. It is frequently integrated into rehabilitation programs due to its functional relevance and ability to challenge total body strength, core stability, and dynamic control. PURPOSE: While its effects on postural stability and grip endurance have been documented, the neuromuscular activation patterns of upper limb muscles during loaded gait remain poorly understood. METHODS: Surface EMG was recorded from six muscles: supraspinatus, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, extensor digitorum, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris during forward and backward walking with loads equal to 50%, 75%, 100%, and 150% of body weight. Additional trials at 100% and 150% body weight were performed using lifting straps. RESULTS: EMG amplitudes were normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). All muscles showed progressive increases in EMG amplitude with load, with significant increases at 100% and 150% compared to 50% body weight. The supraspinatus consistently demonstrated higher activity than the biceps across all loads, and intermuscular differences became more pronounced at higher loads. Notably, the supraspinatus, triceps, and flexor carpi ulnaris reached maximal activation levels. The use of straps and walking direction (forward vs. backward) also influenced activation patterns. CONCLUSION: Increasing load during the Farmer’s Walk elicited progressive neuromuscular activation across upper limb muscles, with the supraspinatus, triceps, and flexor carpi ulnaris demonstrating the highest recruitment at heavier loads. These findings suggest that load magnitude, walking direction, and grip assistance significantly modulate upper limb muscle activation, highlighting the Farmer’s Walk as a valuable exercise for targeted strength and stability training in rehabilitation. This study provides the first detailed characterization of upper limb muscle activity during the Farmer’s Walk, highlighting differential load-dependent and task-dependent activation across muscles.
Recommended Citation
Hassan, Areej; Morrissey, Chase; Acosta, Merylyn; and Ahmed, Zaghloul
(2025)
"Effects of Load, Walking Direction, and Lifting Straps on Upper Limb Muscle Activation During the Farmer’s Walk.,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 15:
Iss.
7, Article 23.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol15/iss7/23