Authors

  1. Bush, Lisa MS
  2. Porcari, John P. PhD, FAACVPR
  3. Greany, Kris MS
  4. Greany, John PhD
  5. Dodge, Chris MS
  6. Foster, Carl PhD, FAACVPR

Article Content

Rationale: New mothers generally report below average physical activity scores, due to their additional parental responsibilities. Jogging or walking while pushing a baby stroller could be an excellent way for women to spend time with their children and get the exercise they need. However, little is known about the intensity of pushing a stroller compared to normal ambulation.

 

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the exercise intensity and energy expenditure of pushing a baby stroller at varying speeds and inclines.

 

Methods: Fifteen female volunteers (19-41 years) completed a treadmill Vo2max test to determine their aerobic capacity and maximal HR. Subjects then performed 2 exercise sessions on a treadmill (3.0 mph and 3.5 mph). Each session was completed on a separate day, in random order. During each session, subjects completed 5 conditions: 0% grade with no stroller, 0% grade with a stroller, and 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% grade with a stroller. The stroller included an additional 35 pounds of weight to simulate the weight of a 1-year-old child, plus a diaper bag. Oxygen consumption (Vo2), heart rate (HR), and RPE values were measured.

 

Results: At 3.0 mph and 0% grade, here was a significant difference (P < .05) between Stroller vs No Stroller for HR (bpm) (111 +/-23 vs 101+/-17) and Vo2 (mL kg-1 min-1) (14.4+/-3.0 vs 12.2+/-1.9). Similar results were seen at 3.5 mph, with HR (120+/-25 vs 107+/-15) and Vo2 (17.0+/-3.2 vs 14.2+/-2.6). Each 2.5% increase in grade increased HR by 10-13 bpm and Vo2 by about 3.5 mL/kg. Increases in RPE and caloric expenditure mirrored the changes in exercise intensity. At 3.5 mph, pushing a stroller on the level was sufficient to meet the ACSM threshold for improving cardiorepsiratory endurance. At 3.0 mph, the threshold was not reached until 2.5% grade.

 

Conclusion: The results show that walking while pushing a baby stroller can be an effective way to obtain cardiovascular benefits and improve body composition.