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.