Step It Up!

Step It Up! is an activity program that incorporates technology, educational feedback and a fun, team-oriented foot race to raise awareness about the importance of daily activity and good health.

Second through fourth graders at two inner-city Boston public schools received 'sneaker chip' pedometers and step-meters to track their individual steps. The mini wireless pedometers clip onto shoes and measure the number of steps and count the minutes of activity. The data on the sneaker chips are automatically uploaded to designated computers throughout the schools when students walk by them.

Inner city students participating in the program found creative ways to keep moving, at home and at school. To increase their activity and step count, students reported helping with chores around the house, playing outside in the park, running errands in the school and one third grader even woke her mother up early to take her for walks before school.

"It became more than just a classroom program. The students brought the information home too. It's been a big thing for these kids," said Jen Gillingham, a teacher at the Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School in Dorchester, MA.

The combined step count for students, grouped by classroom, was used in a competition to see who could 'walk across America' faster. Many of the kids increased their step count week after week, especially during weekends, suggesting that the enthusiasm for the program continued even during off-school hours.

The program was funded by Partners Community Health, and implemented by the Partners Center for Connected Health, a division of Partners HealthCare. Based on the success of this program, Step It Up! is being offered to more elementary schools in Boston this year.