Faculty and students at the University of Houston have developed an innovative research program aimed at enhancing the health and wellness of Special Olympics athletes. This program, spearheaded by the Community Health Promotion research lab in the department of Health and Human Performance, focuses on developing effective interventions to promote healthy lifestyles among athletes and their caregivers.

Program Overview

The University of Houston is currently the sole institution working on this particular initiative. The program’s primary goal is to create a comprehensive intervention plan that addresses both nutrition and physical activity among Special Olympics athletes and their caregivers. Initially, the plan was to develop a 12-week program, but it was adjusted to an 8-week format to align with the typical duration of Special Olympics programs.

Research and Development

The research team utilizes the “stoplight diet” approach, which simplifies nutritional guidance into an easy-to-follow system. This method has been successfully implemented in previous obesity interventions led by HHP faculty member, Dr. Craig Johnston, a key figure in the project. The program also includes physical activity components, which have been tested in various formats, including a one-hour family health forum in Vermont.

Collaboration and Impact

The Special Olympics organization reached out to the University of Houston due to Dr. Johnston’s proven success in obesity interventions. The aim is to help athletes achieve and maintain healthy weight ranges, which is crucial for their overall well-being and performance. The collaboration highlights the importance of tailored health programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Future Prospects

The research team is enthusiastic about expanding the program to include a series of interventions that cover both nutrition and physical activity comprehensively. This holistic approach is expected to provide long-term benefits for Special Olympics athletes, helping them lead healthier lives. The team is also working to expand the program to Special Olympics athletes worldwide.

Recruitment and Outreach

In addition to the research, HHP is actively working on Ph.D. recruitment to boost the number of applicants interested in this field of study. The university aims to attract passionate researchers who want to contribute to this unique and impactful project.

Conclusion

The University of Houston’s Special Olympics research program is a pioneering effort to improve the health and wellness of athletes through targeted interventions. With continued collaboration and support, this program has the potential to set a new standard for athlete health initiatives.

For more information on this project and how to get involved, contact Jessica Kirschmann at jmkirsch@cougarnet.uh.edu or visit our website https://www.uh.edu/class/hhp/fhe/