Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Loaded Carry Test: Protocol and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, November 11, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/loaded-carry-test/
Measures: Functional loaded-carry capacity, trunk stability
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Moderate | Category: Strength
Protocol
The Loaded Carry Test (Farmer’s Carry Test) is a functional strength test where the participant carries a specified weight over a set distance or duration. It combines trunk stability, grip strength, and walking mechanics.
Preparation: Weight selection: 50–75% of body weight total (25–37.5% per hand). A flat 30–50m area is marked. The participant warms up for 10 minutes.
Test Procedure: The participant picks up the designated kettlebell or barbell weight in each hand. On command, they walk 30–50m at the fastest sustainable pace with upright posture, shoulders back-down, and trunk stable. They turn 180° and walk back. Total distance and time are recorded.
Variations:
– Farmer’s Carry: Equal weight in both hands
– Suitcase Carry: Weight in one hand (tests lateral trunk stability)
– Rack Carry: Kettlebell in rack position
Calculation: Time (sec) or total distance. Load × distance is an approximate work index used for comparison. Relative value = this index / body mass.
Post-Test: Shoulder, back, and hip stretching.
Formula
Work (J) = load_kg × 9.81 × distance_m (approximate index); relative = work / body mass_kg
Equipment Required
kettlebells or dumbbells, 30-50 m flat area, stopwatch
Interpretation
There is no single widely accepted normative table for this test. Results are best interpreted against the person’s previous measurements with the same protocol and equipment (and, where relevant, left-right comparison).
Practical Applications
The loaded carry test is used in occupational health assessment (military, firefighters), strength sport selection, and geriatric functional capacity assessment.
Limitations
Weight selection standardization is difficult; both absolute and relative loads are necessary. Grip fatigue may prematurely limit carrying capacity.
Related Tests: Handgrip Strength Test, Dead Hang Test, 1RM Deadlift Test
Sources: McGill SM & Marshall LW, 2012, J Strength Cond Res; Strongman Corporation Test Standards, 2020
Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Protocol The Loaded Carry Test (Farmer's Carry Test) is a functional strength test where the participant carries a specified weight over a set distance or duration. It combines trunk stability, grip strength, and walking mechanics. Preparation: Weight selection: 50–75% of body weight total (25–37.5% per hand). A flat 30–50m area is marked. The participant warms up for 10 minutes. Test Procedure: The participant picks up the designated kettlebell or barbell weight in each hand. On command, they walk 30–50m at the fastest sustainable pace with upright posture, shoulders back-down, and trunk stable. They turn 180° and walk back. Total distance and time are recorded. Variations: - Farmer's Carry: Equal weight in both hands - Suitcase Carry: Weight in one hand (tests lateral trunk stability) - Rack Carry: Kettlebell in rack position Calculation: Time (sec) or total distance. Load × distance is an approximate work index used for comparison. Relative value = this index / body mass. Post-Test: Shoulder, back, and hip stretching. Formula
Work (J) = load_kg × 9.81 × distance_m (approximate index); relative = work / body mass_kg
Equipment Required
kettlebells or dumbbells, 30-50 m flat area, stopwatch
Interpretation
There is no single widely accepted normative table for this test. Results are best interpreted against the person's previous measurements with the same protocol and equipment (and, where relevant, left-right comparison).
