A biomechanical analysis of the farmers walk, and comparison with the deadlift and unloaded walk
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Multi-Science Publishing
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School
School of Exercise and Health Sciences
RAS ID
19308
Abstract
This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of the farmers walk, deadlift and unloaded walk. Six experienced male strongman athletes performed farmers' walks and deadlifts at 70% of their 1RM deadlift. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were apparent at knees passing with the farmers lift demonstrating greater trunk extension, thigh angle, knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. Significantly greater mean vertical and anterior forces were observed in the farmers lift than deadlift. The farmers walk demonstrated significantly greater peak forces and stride rates and significantly shorter stride lengths, ground contact times, and swing times than unloaded walk. Significantly greater dorsiflexion, knee flexion, thigh angle, and significantly lesser trunk angle at foot strike were also observed in the farmers walk. The farmers lift may be an effective lifting alternative to the deadlift, to generating more anterior-propulsive and vertical force with less stress to the lumbar spine due to the more vertical trunk position.
DOI
10.1260/1747-9541.9.5.1127
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Winwood P., Cronin J., Brown S., Keogh J. (2014). A biomechanical analysis of the farmers walk, and comparison with the deadlift and unloaded walk. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 9(5), 1127-1143. doi; 10.1260/1747-9541.10.5.851. Available here