Study: jogging with a stroller does not increase injury risk for parents

• Survey among American running parents
• Overload injuries are less common among those who run with a stroller
• The difference did not reach statistical significance
• The study was published in PLoS One

In recent years, running with a stroller has become a popular way to combine physical activity and childcare. To test how safe this approach is, scientists conducted an online survey among American parents who regularly engage in running.

Research Methodology

The survey participants were adults with at least one child under three years old who run regularly at least three times a week. Respondents were divided into two groups: those who use a special running stroller and a control group that ran without it. The questions concerned the frequency and nature of injuries related to overloads, as well as overall well-being after training.

The responses obtained were processed using statistical methods that allow for comparison of injury levels between the groups. In doing so, the researchers took into account factors such as the runner's age, training experience, and the type of surfaces on which the runs took place.

The main result was the observation that overload-related injuries were more frequently recorded in runners without strollers. In the group using strollers, the injury rate was lower; however, the difference was not significant enough to confirm its statistical reliability.

The authors emphasize that the lack of statistical significance may be related to the limited sample size and the self-reported nature of the data. Nevertheless, the results suggest the potential safety of running strollers, provided that the model is chosen correctly and running technique recommendations are followed.

In a publication featured in the journal PLoS One, the researchers also discussed possible reasons for the lower injury rate among parent-runners with strollers. These include a more moderate pace, more thorough training preparation, and increased attention to their own bodies due to the need to control the stroller's movement.

Experts in sports medicine advise novice parent runners to start with light jogs, gradually increasing distance and load, as well as choosing strollers equipped with suspension and a reliable braking system.

Thus, while current data do not allow for a definitive claim that running with a stroller is safer, they indicate that this type of activity can be carried out without an increased risk of injury if basic technique rules are followed and equipment appropriate for the child's age is selected.

Source: N+1