Run kinematics with and without a jogging stroller.
BACKGROUND
Jogging strollers have become increasingly popular as they allow a parent the freedom to run without having to leave their children. Few studies have examined the effects of running with a stroller and no study to date has examined the effects on joint kinematics. The aim of this study was to compare lower limb and trunk kinematics while running with and without a jogging stroller.


METHODS
Participants (N=15) ran on a 16-metre indoor runway, with and without a stroller, at their self-selected comfortable training speed. Three-dimensional trunk and lower limb kinematics were assessed using the CODA cx1 active marker system.


RESULTS
The jogging stroller led to reduced movement of the trunk in both the transverse [mean difference -11.4°, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-14.8°, -8.2°), p<0.001] and coronal [-2.9°, 95% CI (-0.8°, -4.9°), p=0.009] planes most likely due to fixing of the upper limbs. There was also a 6.7° [95% CI (-9°, -4.6°), p<0.001] increase in forward trunk lean, 2.8° [95% CI (-4.2°, -1.7°), p<0.001] increase in anterior pelvic tilt and a 3° [95% CI (-4.4°, -1.5°), p=0.001] decrease in hip extension. There were no significant changes in knee or ankle kinematics and no changes in stride length, cadence or stance time.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that jogging strollers lead to minor changes in trunk, pelvis and hip kinematics with no significant changes at the knee and ankle. Due to the changes in kinematics we suggest that flexibility work for the spine, pelvis and hips may be recommended.
Gait Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, Ireland. Electronic address: rosullivan@crc.ie.
Rory
R
O'Sullivan
Gait Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, Ireland.
Damien
D
Kiernan
Gait Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, Ireland.
Ailish
A
Malone
D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007590:Jogging / Q000502:physiology*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male
Jogging stroller; biomechanics; gait analysis; kinematics