Buggy running
The research that has been done on buggy running has been conducted on small sample sizes, and mainly over short distances in a lab setting. These preliminary studies have shown no change to stride length or knee and ankle movement, but minor changes to the hip, pelvis and trunk. There has been no change in perceived rate of exertion demonstrated when using a stroller compared to running without. The small number of studies done, and the relative novelty of buggy running make it difficult to draw definite conclusions from this information; and larger studies are required to provide more guidance to women who are keen to run with buggies. For now, it is advised that anyone buggy-running stretches their hips and spine following a run. Outside of this, buggy running can be gradually introduced from 6 months on if mum and baby are ready.
References
- Smith J.D., Smith J.D., Kinser. K.B., Dugan. E, Reed. M Physiological and biomechanical responses while running with and without a stroller; J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2005 Sep;45(3):270-6
- O’Sullivan R, Kiernan D., Malone. A Run kinematics with and without a jogging stroller; 2016 Jan;43:220-4. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.10.001. Epub 2015 Oct 21.
- Gregory D. A., Pfieffer K. A., Vickers K. E., Aubrey A. J., Flynn J. I., Connolly C. P., Coe D. P., Physiologic responses to running with a jogging stroller; Int J Sports Med: 2012 Sep; 33 (9): 711-5
- Goom. T, Donnelly G., Brockwell E. Returning to running postnatal – guidelines for medical, health and fitness professionals managing this population; March 2019