KUALA LUMPUR: Parents running with a stroller may experience a reduced risk of injuries compared to those running without one,. Conducted at Pennsylvania State University, the research found that parents who used strollers had a 37% lower risk of ankle pain and injuries to calf muscles, foot arches, and Achilles tendons. These findings are attributed to changes in vertical forces absorbed by the legs while pushing a stroller. The study explored the running habits of 196 parents who used strollers and 53 parents who did not, matching them for factors such as age, height, and weight.
The researchers noted that stroller running generally involves shorter strides and slower speeds, potentially reducing the risk of injuries. Previous studies have indicated that running with a stroller leads to a 16% reduction in vertical impact force. "Generally, stroller running involves rapid steps with short stride lengths," Cara said. "Although this can increase metabolic cost, it can also decrease the force production at each foot strike, which might explain some of these injury reductions." The implications of this study suggest that stroller running could be a beneficial exercise for parents looking to minimize injury risks. Future research should aim to include a more balanced gender representation and explore different pram-pushing styles to further understand the mechanics and benefits of stroller running.
Image credit: NEW SCIENTIST
