Biomechanical tradeoffs in stroller running: Reduced vertical impact loading and increased torsional injury risk

Abstract

This study evaluated how running with a stroller influences biomechanical parameters commonly associated with injury risk. Specifically, the study investigated changes in vertical and torsional loading and tibial acceleration in runners pushing a jogging stroller compared to running without one. Thirty-eight healthy adult runners participated in trials where they ran over a force plate with and without a stroller. Key measurements included vertical and anterior-posterior ground reaction forces, tibial accelerations, and free moments. The findings demonstrated significant reductions in vertical loading metrics, including vertical impact peak, vertical instantaneous and average loading rates, and vertical impulse, by 8–17% when running with a stroller. These reductions suggest a decreased risk of overuse injuries commonly associated with vertical forces. Conversely, torsional loading parameters, such as peak free moment and free moment impulse, increased significantly, with some measures rising by more than 400%. This increase in torsional loading indicates an elevated risk of stress-related injuries, particularly tibial stress fractures. In addition, tibial acceleration decreased slightly, though to a lesser extent than vertical loading metrics. These results highlight a biomechanical tradeoff when running with a stroller. While the reduction in vertical loading may mitigate the risk of bone stress and overuse injuries, the simultaneous increase in torsional loading could heighten the likelihood of torsional stress injuries. The study underscores the need for further research to explore mitigation strategies, such as optimized stroller designs or alternative pushing techniques, to balance these risks. The findings contribute valuable insights for runners, coaches, and stroller manufacturers aiming to promote safer running practices for caregivers using jogging strollers.