Participation of Special Olympics Athletes in the USA Games Step Challenge

Authors

  • Alicia Dixon-Ibarra Special Olympics
  • Heidi Stanish Consultant
  • Janette Watkins The Pennsylvania State University
  • John P. Hanley Special Olympics International
  • Gwendolyn Apgar Special Olympics
  • Melissa Otterbein Special Olympics
  • Andrew E. Lincoln Special Olympics

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/PALAESTRA-2025-V39-I4-13386

Keywords:

Physical activity promotion, intellectual and developmental disabilities, wearable activity monitoring, Special Olympics programming

Abstract

Adults with intellectual disabilities have low physical activity levels, increasing chronic health risks. Special Olympics promotes health through education and programming. This project evaluated the Road to the USA Games Step Challenge, a 20-week nationwide program aiming for 1,000,000 steps using Fitbit™ monitors and the SO FitNow app. The app tracked progress, provided education, fostered social support, and facilitated goal setting. Athletes from all 50 states participated; 36.1% achieved the goal, with males outperforming females in step count (p = 0.019). Median daily steps increased significantly, though participation declined to 60.8% by Week 20 (p < 0.001). This large-scale program demonstrated feasibility through engagement across all 50 states, significant step count improvements, and successful goal achievement for many participants, offering insights for future programming.

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Published

2025-12-18

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Feature Articles

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