Running with a Stroller Cuts Injury Risk for Parents, Study Finds

A new study published in PLoS One shows that parents who run with a pram or stroller experience a markedly lower risk of running‑related injuries than those who run without one. Researchers surveyed 196 parents who used a stroller while their children were under three years old and compared them with 53 parents who ran without a stroller. The two groups ran similar total distances and were matched for age, height and weight, though the stroller group had more women. Overall, 30 % of non‑stroller runners reported injuries, compared with only 19 % of stroller runners—a 37 % reduction in injury risk. The most common injuries—ankle pain, calf muscle strain, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis—were less frequent among stroller runners. The authors linked this protective effect to changes in running mechanics. Stroller running tends to produce shorter strides, slower speeds, greater hip flexion and forward pelvic tilt, and a 16 % lower vertical impact force per foot strike. These biomechanical shifts may reduce the load on the lower limb tissues. While the findings are promising, experts call for future studies with a more balanced gender mix and more frequent injury monitoring, as hormonal differences could influence connective‑tissue resilience. The research highlights a simple, low‑cost strategy that could help parents stay active while protecting their joints.