Running with your child in a jogging stroller can be an enjoyable and empowering experience for parents. However, safety concerns often arise. We are professors and biomechanics researchers, dedicated to understanding how running form impacts injury risk. At Penn State Berks, we established the Biomechanics and Gait Evaluation Laboratory (BaGEL) to explore these dynamics. Our research combines biology and physics to analyze how muscles, bones, and joints function together, allowing us to better understand the implications of running with a stroller.
Most regulations regarding strollers primarily address the safety and comfort of the child. However, the adult pushing the stroller also faces significant risks, particularly the risk of overuse injuries like shin splints, stress fractures, and runner’s knee. Subtle changes in running mechanics, such as those that occur when adapting to the weight of a heavy stroller, can lead to these injuries.
Our investigation was inspired by two previous studies that hinted at the biomechanical effects of running with a stroller. One study indicated that runners tend to lean forward more and alter their hip posture while pushing a stroller. Another study found that runners slowed down and took longer strides when using a stroller. Despite these findings, the experiences and safety of the runner have largely been overlooked by researchers and regulators alike. This gap motivated us to conduct our own study.
To delve deeper into this issue, we invited healthy adult runners to participate in our lab study. Each participant ran both with and without a stroller. We employed high-speed motion capture technology—similar to what is used in video games and Hollywood films—to record their movements. Additionally, we utilized a force plate to measure the impact of each stride. After collecting the data, we began our analysis to uncover the results.
Our findings revealed that running with a stroller presents a complex trade-off. While it can increase some risk factors for overuse injuries, it also mitigates others. Notably, runners pushing a stroller experienced a 16 percent reduction in impact force per step, which refers to the collision force between the foot and the ground. This reduction occurs because pushing down on the stroller handlebars redistributes some of the impact through the stroller’s wheels, thereby alleviating stress on the legs and potentially decreasing the risk of common overuse injuries.
However, we also observed a concerning 36 percent increase in torsion, or twisting load, between the foot and the ground. This increase in torsional stress poses a risk for stress fractures in the lower leg, a prevalent overuse injury among distance runners. The act of holding onto the stroller’s handlebars restricts arm swing and chest rotation, which typically helps balance the twisting force generated with each step. Additionally, maintaining control of the stroller adds further strain to the runner's body.
Our study confirmed that pushing a stroller causes runners to lean forward more than they usually would. While running coaches often recommend a slight forward lean, our research found that stroller runners leaned an additional six degrees forward. This change in posture affects leg positioning and shifts the runner's center of mass forward, which studies suggest may elevate injury risk.
To minimize the risk of injury while running with a stroller, consider adjusting your stride and posture. Here are some tips:
Shorten your stride slightly to maintain a more neutral posture.Avoid leaning too far forward, particularly when running uphill.Choose the right stroller: Look for models with adjustable handlebars and lightweight frames. A stroller that feels too low may cause you to lean forward excessively.Our current study was conducted indoors on flat surfaces, but we plan to explore how running with a stroller on hills and uneven terrain affects biomechanics. Additionally, we are interested in whether different pushing styles, such as one-handed versus “push-and-chase” techniques, influence the forces experienced by runners.
We are also investigating if alternative stroller designs—such as hands-free options like tethered or pull-behind strollers—allow for a more natural running form and how these designs impact a runner’s biomechanics. Furthermore, we aim to examine whether using a stroller affects runners’ habits, training volume, or motivation.
Running with your child can be a fulfilling way for parents to stay active while bonding with their young ones. However, just like any other form of running, maintaining proper form is crucial. By being mindful of your posture and selecting equipment that promotes healthy movement, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury during your stroller runs. Our research aims to empower parents with knowledge that helps keep them injury-free during those precious stroller miles.
Allison Altman Singles is an associate professor of kinesiology and mechanical engineering at Penn State, and Joseph M. Mahoney chairs the engineering department and is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Alvernia University. This article was produced in collaboration with The Conversation.
