2 biomechanics researchers, how it affects your form – and the risk of injuries

“Faster, mom, faster!” Toddler Allison squealed as she ran from the hill by her home with her pram. As a longtime runner and a biomechanics researcher, she found herself in the same situation as many parents of young children: squeezing between meetings, preparing meals and a nap schedule.

The expert pram offered flexibility – but something was felt. This question about her form of running soon became the starting point for joint research effort.

Both – Allison Altman Singles AND Joe Mahoney – They are professors and biomechanics researchers interested in how the form of running affects the risk of injuries. We founded together Biomechanics laboratory and gait assessmentor Bajgla in Penn State Berks.

Biomechanics It is a learning about how the body moves – by mixing biology and physics to understand how muscles, bones and joints work like a machine. Allison experience with a trolley leading questions that we could not find clear answers in the research – so we introduced these questions to the laboratory. Over the past four years we have studied how running with a pram affects the gait and risk of abuse injury.

How does running a trolley affect the runner

Very Recipes related to the pram Focus on the child’s safety and comfort. But what about pushing adults? Abuse of injuries Such as a bare rail, stress fractures and a runner’s knee are common in all runners. Subtle changes in gear mechanics, such as those that occur when adapting to a heavy stroller, can lead to these injuries.

We found two previous studies that indicated the biomechanical effects of running a pram. One showed This pushing of the trolley led the runner to lean forward and change the hip position. Another show The runner slowed down and started longer while pushing the trolley. In general, scientists and regulatory bodies have largely overlooked the runner’s experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilvic8c6MB8

We decided to learn more. We invited healthy adult runners to our laboratory. Each participant ran with and without a pram. We recorded their movement using the rapid capture of the movement-the technology with which they use video games and Hollywood movies. Each runner ended the rehearsals over the strength plate, which recorded the influence of each step. After collecting data, we began to analyze the results.

What we found

Our results suggest that running with a pram is a compromise. Increases some risk factors for abuse injury while reducing others.

In general, the wheelchair runners had a lower impact on the step – this measurement refers to the power of the collision between the foot and the earth. Runners experienced 16% lower impact force while pushing the trolley.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXM05FNNAQSQ

Pushing the steering wheel redirects some influence by the wheelchair wheels, reducing leg load. This lower impact force reduces the risk of widespread injuries such as Shin rails, knee and runner’s stress cracks.

We also found a 36% turning increase – the twisting load produced between the foot and the soil. This increase concerns because the torthous stress contributes stress fractures in the lower legWidespread injuries abused among runners at a distance.

Holding the steering wheel limits how much the runner hesitates and turns the chest, which normally balances turning from each step. And controlling and maintaining the direction of the stroller further increases this twisting force.

Our study confirmed that running a stroller can also cause the runner to lean forward. Running trainers usually recommend light slim forward, but with a stroller runners leaned six degrees further forward. This change affected their leg position and pushed the mass on the mass. Studies have shown that such a change can increase the risk of injury.

How can I work with a pram safer?

What can you do to minimize the risk of injuries if you run with a pram?

Customize your step and attitude. Lightly shorten your step and try to keep your neutral attitude. Avoid bending too far ahead, especially when going uphill.

Choosing the right pram can also increase the likelihood of injuries. Look for models with adjustable steering wheel and lighter frames. If the stroller feels too low, you can naturally lean forward.

What next?

In the future, we plan to investigate some research questions.

This study was carried out in rooms on a flat surface. Then we want to understand how the hills and uneven terrain affect the mechanics of running a stroller and whether various styles pushes-such as one-handed or “pushing”-change forces.

We are also interested in whether alternative trolley designs, such as options without using hands, such as tether or pull-behind carts, allow for a more natural form of running. We want to examine how these projects can affect the runner’s form. We also examine whether the stroller uses changes, training volume or motivation.

Running the stroller remains a great way to stay active while spending time with young children. But just like any other type of gear, The form matters. Paying attention to the attitude and choice of equipment that supports healthy movement may matter.

We hope that our findings will help other parents stay free of injuries during these miles of a trolley, when their child is happy to squeak: “Faster, mother, faster!” Running with a child can be fun, strengthening and safe – especially with the right awareness and a bit of learning on your side.