New Insights into Running With a Stroller
Running With a Stroller is a common routine for parents balancing fitness with childcare. A recent study led by researchers at Penn State Berks, published in PLOS One, provides a nuanced view of how stroller running affects the body. The findings show a clear reduction in impact per step when using a jogging stroller, which could lower overall injury risk. However, the study also notes a compensatory increase in twisting forces as the foot pushes off the ground, an aspect that carries its own considerations for training, technique, and equipment design.
The Biomechanical Trade-Off
The research highlights a fundamental trade-off: less load per step can mean fewer shock-related injuries, yet increased torsion from pushing off may introduce different stresses on the foot and ankle. Dr. Allison Altman Singles, associate professor of kinesiology and mechanical engineering and the study’s senior author, explains that this is the first work to examine how loading forces change specifically when runners use a stroller.
“While there are a lot of data on running economy and effort, this is the first to look at how loading forces change with stroller running,” she notes. “Understanding this biomechanical trade-off could inform stroller design, coaching strategies, as well as injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols for those who run with strollers.”
<h2Implications for Runners and Coaches
For parents returning to running after having a child, the findings offer practical takeaways. Lower ground reaction forces per step could reduce the frequency of impact-related injuries such as shin splints or knee pain, especially for runners who previously faced joint discomfort during long runs. At the same time, the increased torsional forces require attention to foot mechanics, ankle stability, and footwear choices.
Coaches and clinicians may adapt their guidelines to account for stroller-running dynamics. Recommendations could include targeted ankle-strengthening routines, cadence adjustments to optimize propulsion with a stroller, and gait cues that minimize unnecessary twisting while maintaining steady speed and endurance. The researchers emphasize the value of individualized approaches, as injury risk is influenced by an athlete’s prior history, strength, and running form.
<h2Design and Injury Prevention Considerations
The study’s authors also point to potential innovations in stroller design. Reducing torsional demands without compromising control could become a priority for manufacturers and designers. Ergonomic handles, improved wheel alignment, and frame geometry that promotes a more stable push-off could contribute to healthier biomechanics for caregivers who log miles with a stroller.
<h2Practical Tips for Running With a Stroller
- Strengthen ankles and calves to better handle twisting forces.
- Work on a smooth cadence that balances propulsion with stability.
- Choose a stroller with adjustable suspension and proper fit to reduce excessive sway.
- Consider gradual progression when adding stroller workouts to avoid sudden spikes in load.
- Monitor for signs of overuse, such as persistent ankle or shin discomfort, and adjust training accordingly.
<h2Conclusion
The Penn State Berks study provides a foundational look at how stroller running alters loading forces during gait. By revealing both a potential injury-reducing effect through lower step impact and a possible risk via increased torsion, it gives runners, clinicians, and designers a clearer path forward. The takeaway is not to avoid stroller running but to approach it with informed technique, targeted conditioning, and thoughtful equipment choices that together support safer, more sustainable training for parents and caregivers.
