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By Daniella Gray
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Many runners assume adding extra weight and resistance to a workout would put more strain on their body.
Researchers have now found evidence that, in one specific scenario, the opposite may be true.
The study, published in PLOS One, found that parents who ran with a stroller were 58 percent less likely to suffer an overuse injury than those who did not.
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They also experienced injuries at a 55 percent lower rate per 1,000 miles run.
Researchers analyzed survey responses from 255 runners who had children aged 0 to 3 years, comparing those who incorporated stroller running into their routine with those who continued running without one.
Overuse injuries were reported by 19 percent of stroller runners, compared with 30 percent of non-stroller runners.
Allison Altman-Singles, associate professor of kinesiology and mechanical engineering at Penn State Berks and the senior author of the study, said the likely explanation lies in how stroller running changes the body's mechanics.
"We believe this is due to the biomechanics associated with stroller running: more flexed posture, more forward lean and less vertical force," Altman-Singles told Newsweek. "The stroller runner can better distribute their vertical force through the handlebars and feet, which helps reduce the forces that cause overuse injuries."
The study builds on previous research suggesting stroller running reduces impact loading, one of the factors linked to common running injuries.
Researchers noted that pushing down on stroller handlebars may help transfer some force away from the legs and into the stroller, potentially reducing stress on joints and tissues.
Stroller runners also maintained higher mileage during certain stages of parenthood.
Parents with children aged 6 to 12 months logged 34 percent more miles than runners who did not use a stroller, suggesting it may help people stay active during a period when finding time to exercise can be particularly difficult.
Among injuries that did occur, plantar fasciitis was the most commonly reported condition in both groups. The foot was also the most frequently injured body region overall.
The authors cautioned that the study relied on self-reported survey data and cannot prove stroller running directly prevents injuries.
However, they believe the findings offer reassurance for parents looking to maintain their fitness after having children.
"Running with a stroller is a safe, practical way for parents to exercise in a challenging phase of life and allows for runners to maintain mileage throughout the baby and toddler stages of parenting," Altman-Singles said.
For parents considering giving it a try, she recommended choosing a lightweight jogging stroller with an adjustable handlebar height that allows the elbows to remain comfortably bent.
"We prefer three-wheeled models with a front wheel that can be directionally locked with hand brakes for added safety on hills," Altman-Singles said.
Reference
Kim H.G., Friesen A., Altman-Singles A.R. (2026) Injury risk and running habits in parents: Does stroller use make a difference? PLoS One 21(8): e0354371. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0354371
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Marc Vargas and James Debens
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