Many runners believe that adding extra weight and resistance to a workout could increase strain on their body. However, researchers have discovered that the opposite might be true in some cases. A study published in PLOS One found that parents who run with a stroller have a 58 percent lower chance of experiencing an overuse injury compared to those who run without one.

Additionally, these parents sustained injuries at a 55 percent lower rate per 1,000 miles run. The study involved surveys from 255 runners with children aged 0 to 3 years. Researchers compared the injury rates of stroller runners with those who did not use a stroller. While 19 percent of stroller runners reported overuse injuries, 30 percent of non-stroller runners did.

Allison Altman-Singles, an associate professor of kinesiology and mechanical engineering at Penn State Berks and the study’s senior author, explained that the biomechanics of stroller running differ. “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.”

This study adds to earlier research indicating that stroller running can minimize impact loading, a factor in running injuries. Researchers suggest that pushing down on stroller handlebars can shift force from the legs to the stroller, decreasing stress on joints and tissues.

Moreover, stroller runners maintained higher mileage during certain parenting stages. Parents with children aged 6 to 12 months ran 34 percent more miles than those without strollers, showing that stroller running may help maintain activity levels when time is limited. Among reported injuries, plantar fasciitis was the most common, and the foot experienced the most injuries overall.

The study relied on self-reported survey data, so it cannot definitively prove that stroller running prevents injuries. Nevertheless, the findings provide reassurance for parents aiming to stay fit 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 interested in stroller running, Altman-Singles recommends choosing a lightweight jogging stroller with an adjustable handlebar height to keep elbows comfortably bent. “We prefer three-wheeled models with a front wheel that can be directionally locked, with hand brakes for added safety on hills,” she 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