Economy of Jogging Stroller use During Running

Abstract

1714 Three-wheeled baby strollers for use during jogging/running (JS) have been available for almost twenty years and are widely used. Although one can easily assume that using a JS will change the energy cost and stride mechanics of running, no information regarding the change is available. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of using a JS on the oxygen cost and stride length/frequency of running. METHODS: 8 experienced runners (5 female, 21.1 ± 1.7 y, 20.8 ± 1.9 % fat, VO2peak 47.8 ± 2.4 ml/kg/min; 3 male 21.7 ± 1.5 y, 8.4 ± 4.2 % fat, VO2peak 50.1 ± 6.1 ml/kg/min) completed a supervised, self-paced 2.4 km running trial while pushing (JS) or not pushing (CON) a JS. To simulate the weight of a child, a 9 kg weight was fastened to the seat of the jogging stroller. VO2 and HR were measured on a breath by breath basis with a portable metabolic cart, then the data were averaged over 30 second intervals with a custom computer algorithm. Number of steps taken was measured with a pedometer. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests with a Bonferoni correction of alpha level for repeated tests. Data are presented as Means ± se. RESULTS: Time to complete the run was not different between JS and CON (687 ± 30 vs. 660 ± 18 seconds), respectively. Mean steady state HR (173.0 ± 5.0 vs. 167.0 ± 5.1 beats/min) and VO2 (40.1 ± 3.1 vs. 36.1 ± 2.8 ml/kg/min) were higher (P<0.05) in JS than CON, respectively. JS elicited a higher percentage (P<0.05) of VO2peak (82 + 6%) than did CON (74 + 5%). JS resulted in an increased (P<0.05) number of steps taken (1,969 ± 78 vs. 1,886 ± 74) and reduced (P<0.05) step length (1.24 ± 0.06 vs. 1.29 ± 0.06 m) compared to CON. CONCLUSION: Using a jogging stroller results in significant, yet relatively minor, increases in HR and decreases running economy due partly to changes in the normal stride pattern.