2. Horsepower Challenge (HPC)
A Humana original online game to encourage physical activity in children, teens
and adults
We make exercise fun, active and engaging by using technology and game play!
How it works:
Each player wears a pedometer on their shoe
Pedometer stores up to two weeks worth of data
Steps wirelessly upload to a remote access point (RAP)
RAP uploads data to www.horsepowergame.com
Each player is represented on a school bus by a horse avatar
Steps = Points = Accessories for horse and school bus
Team with most steps wins!
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3. HPC- Why Do I Need This?
www.exergamefitness.com/humana
PEP GRANTS
As part of the new initiative by President Obama on the regulation of grants
and funding for Physical Education, specifically PEP grants, there will be
new measures based on statistics and hard data to back up the receiving
of grant money.
“In an effort to streamline the Department of Education (USDE)'s programs
and increase effectiveness, the President's FY 2011 budget contains major
changes to the PEP grant program. The PEP program, along with five other
programs, would be consolidated into a new authority called "Successful,
Safe and Healthy Students" (SSHS). Thus, physical education would have
to compete with these other areas for funding” *
* NASPE Official Website
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4. HPC- Why Do I Need This?
www.exergamefitness.com/humana
IMPROVE ACADEMIC SCORES
Through physical activity more and more studies are beginning to show
that an increase in exercise produces an increase in learning and
academic achievements. Through the use of the Horsepower Challenge
we hope to promote physical activity not only inside the Physical Education
classroom, but outside the class as well. Through increased activity we will
improve on academic scores!
“Memory retention and learning functions are all about brain cells actually
changing, growing, and working better together…exercise creates the best
environment for that process to occur.” *
*Dr. John Ratey, Harvard Medical School, author of the book SPARK
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5. HPC- Why Do I Need This?
www.exergamefitness.com/humana
IMPROVEMENT IN HEALTH
AND WELLNESS
Improvement in Health and Wellness-Through existing
studies our Horsepower Challenge has shown a positive
behavior change in the health and wellness of children.
“62% reported that they exercised more during of the
challenge” *
*2008 Qualitative Research of Horsepower
Challenge Pilot in Louisville, KY
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6. HPC Experience – The Race
www.exergamefitness.com/humana
Teams race on 11
different tracks from
all around the world
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7. HPC Experience – Locations
www.exergamefitness.com/humana
Eiffel Tower
Taj Mahal
Great Sphinx
White House Easter Island
Serengeti Park
Machu Picchu
Great Wall of China Mauna Kea Golden Gate Bridge
Sydney Opera House 7
8. HPC Experience – My Horse & My Bus
www.horsepowergame.com
Players can see the number of steps they have taken
each day. Each player is represented by a horse
Teams can purchase accessories for their school
bus. Votes are cast by each team member; a team
leader has authority to purchase the team’s tune ups
The more steps achieved, the more accessories
available for the player to purchase.
100 steps = 1 point
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9. Horsepower Challenge Specs*
6 challenges
Total number of players to date: 2,379 players
Total number of steps to date: 207 million steps
Total number of miles to date: 78,400 miles
More than 3 times the circumference of Earth
On average, each player walked 33 miles
Total CO2 footprint reduction: 34.48 tons
2 countries; 15 US states + District of Columbia
Average increase in physical activity as a result of
Horsepower Challenge: 35% increase
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*As of June 9, 2009
10. Power of the Horsepower Challenge
Compliments existing PE activities
Extends the 30-45 minute PE block beyond the
classroom or playing field
Improved academic performance*
Positively impacts achievement in overall academic
readiness
Physical exercise increases blood flow in the brain
Turnkey program
Minimum support required
Data reporting available
Engaging in healthier behaviors+
Students elect to eat more fruits and fresh foods
leading to increased energy levels
Learning in a fun online environment
Exposes students to all four corners of the world
Ripple effect with player’s social circle
*2009 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children
and Youth
Over half of students said they got their families to
exercise with them
+2008 Qualitative Research of Horsepower Challenge Pilot in Louisville, KY 10
11. Power of the Horsepower Challenge
Showcase community responsibility
Active partner fighting the issues plaguing your
employees’ region (i.e. childhood obesity)
Enhance brand image
Increased customer loyalty
Opportunity for in game branding
Attract positive media attention
Tackle one of today’s major health epidemics
Fun interactive online exergame
Ripple effect with player’s social circle
Over half of students said they got their families to
play the game with them
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12. Completed Challenges
Louisville, KY Pilot (Spring 2008)
Morehead State University (Fall/Spring 2008-09)
Humana Europe (Spring 2009)
American Horsepower Challenge, Phase 1 (Spring 2009)
Utah Horsepower Challenge (Spring 2009)
Infusion Horsepower Challenge (Summer 2009)
Ongoing / Upcoming Challenges
American Horsepower Challenge, Phase 2 (Fall 2009)
American Horsepower Challenge, Phase 3 (Spring 2010)
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