Evaluation of the 2022 Special Olympics National Games Fitness Challenge Using Digital Technology and Wearables

Background: Fitness challenges are a promising approach to increasing physical activity among population groups. Special Olympics (SO), a global organization providing sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), uses fitness challenges to engage people with ID in physical activity. Only 9% of people with ID meet the WHO Physical Activity Guidelines (Dairo, 2016). Research supports that more people with ID use smartphone applications and technology (Ptomey et al., 2015). However, a dearth of literature exists to evaluate the implementation of fitness challenges for people with ID using mobile technology.
Program Delivery Components: A 20-week step challenge was delivered leading up to the 2022 USA Games competition. Participants were challenged to achieve 1,000,000 steps. Behavior-change tools included self-monitoring via a wearable device, tracking with the SO FitNow app, performance-based rewards, reinforcement, health education, and leaderboard comparison. Athletes were trained as challenge leaders to motivate and educate teammates in forming healthy habits throughout the challenge.
Evaluation: Planning documents and SO FitNow app account information were analyzed to examine reach and dose. Satisfaction and context were examined via post-challenge surveys of athletes and SO Programs.
Conclusions: 2,230 individuals from 55 SO Programs from the US and the Caribbean participated, including 1,440 athletes with ID. Among athletes who connected a wearable device, 58.2% maintained participation to week 20. Survey results indicated that 65% reported improved health, 81% were more active due to the challenge, and 89% would participate in another challenge. Despite various training modalities, 24% of athletes reported they “always” needed help using the app.
Practical implications: While SO athletes’ limited understanding of technology was a barrier, athletes who participated were satisfied and adhered to the 20-week challenge. This demonstrates that fitness challenges may increase physical activity among people with ID.
Funding: Supported by CDC grant #NU27D-D000021 and Golisano Foundation.