Evaluating adult interaction during the Step It UP! game to increase physical activity in children

Nieto et al. (2020) tested the Step it UP! game with third-graders. The game shows step counts on a big screen during recess.

They compared three days: no game, game alone, or game plus adult praise and high-fives. They counted steps with pedometers.

Kids took more steps when adults joined the game. Nineteen of twenty-five students beat their own baseline.

Most kids said the adult-plus-game version was their favorite.

Miller et al. (2023) also raised step counts in the same age group. They used self-monitoring, public posting, and rewards. Nieto shows you can get a similar boost with just brief adult praise during a game.

Agiovlasitis et al. (2025) flipped the idea to teachers. Step counters plus goals nudged pre-service teachers to move more and talk with kids. Both studies show pedometers plus social prompts work across ages.

Fournier et al. (2024) added money and group goals for adults. The core theme is the same: feedback plus social contingencies drive activity.

You can raise recess steps tomorrow without extra gear. Stand near the game screen, cheer, and give quick praise. One adult can cover many kids, so the tactic fits tight staff ratios. Try it during recess or PE and watch the step totals climb.