New Insights into Running With a Stroller
For many parents, slipping a jogging stroller into a fitness routine is a practical way to combine training with childcare. A recent study led by researchers at Penn State Berks, published in PLOS ONE, sheds light on how stroller running changes the forces your body experiences with each stride. The findings indicate a trade-off: lower impact per step, yet higher torsional forces during the push-off phase of running.
Lower Per-Step Impact: A Potential Injury Buffer
The researchers measured loading forces across the leg joints and foot as runners completed miles with and without a stroller. They found that the impact per step tended to decrease when the stroller was in motion. This reduction in impact can translate to less stress on bones, joints, and soft tissue, which has long been a concern for distance runners and novice joggers alike. Reduced impact is especially meaningful for runners with a history of repetitive stress injuries or for those easing back into training after childbirth.
“Understanding how loading forces change with stroller running helps us identify why some runners feel more comfortable in a stroller setup and how to protect joints over time,” said Allison Altman Singles, associate professor of kinesiology and mechanical engineering and the study’s senior author. “The practical takeaway is that stroller running can be a sustainable option for maintaining fitness while managing injury risk, provided other factors are considered.”
The Trade-Off: Increased Torsion During Push-Off
The study also notes a trade-off: the twisting forces, or torsion, that occur as the foot pushes off the ground tended to be higher with a stroller. While this twisting load is different from the vertical impact associated with acute injuries, it introduces a loading pattern that has its own implications for the musculoskeletal system. Importantly, the researchers caution that torsional loading is not as strongly linked to common running injuries as impact forces, but it remains a factor to monitor for more strenuous or longer-duration runs.
In terms of real-world application, the increased torsion may influence how a runner’s foot and ankle react to the repetitive cycle of pushing off with a stroller. Strength and conditioning programs that emphasize ankle stability, hip control, and core engagement could help balance this load, potentially reducing the risk of overuse issues in the long run.
<h2 Practical Takeaways for Stroller Runners
Runners who train with a stroller can consider several strategies to maximize safety and performance:
- Progress gradually: Start with shorter runs and slower paces to adapt to the altered loading pattern.
- Strengthen critical muscles: Focus on calf muscles, ankles, hips, and the core to support torsional loads during push-off.
- Check the stroller setup: Ensure the stroller’s weight distribution is balanced and the tires are in good condition to minimize extra effort.
- Mind the environment: Softer surfaces may reduce overall impact, while uneven terrain can increase torsional loads.
- Monitor fatigue: As with any endurance activity, fatigue can amplify biomechanical stress, so plan rest days and listen to your body.
<h2 Looking Ahead: Designing Safer Strollers and Training Protocols
The authors emphasize that the study’s findings could inform not only individual training choices but also the design of future jogging strollers. Improved geometry, suspension systems, and strap configurations could help distribute forces more evenly, mitigating both impact and torsion. Coaches and clinicians may also tailor rehabilitation and conditioning programs to address the unique loading patterns of stroller running, supporting parents who pursue fitness goals while caring for young children.
<h2 Conclusion
The Penn State Berks study advances our understanding of how stroller running modifies the biomechanics of running. With lower per-step impact offering a potential injury buffer and increased torsional demand presenting a different kind of load, parents can optimize their approach through gradual progression, targeted strengthening, and mindful equipment choices. As research continues, the goal remains clear: enable safe, sustainable running for parents who balance training with family life.
