Step Counts and Physical Activity Trends: A 3-Month Analysis of a Walking Challenge Among 30 Female Participants

The Women Walking Challenge (WWC) aimed to increase physical activity among 30 female participants by implementing a structured three-month program from May 1 to July 31, 2024.This study examined daily step count data using wearable devices and fitness Applications to assess activity patterns, consistency, and goal achievement. The results showed an initial increase in step counts, peaking in June at 4,053,122 steps, followed by a decrease in July. Participants took an average of 13,200 steps per day on weekdays and 9,800 on weekends, demonstrating differences in activity levels. Top performers achieved the 10,000-step-per-day goal on more than 75% of days, while low-activity participants struggled to stay consistent. The clustering analysis divided participants into low, moderate, and high-activity groups, revealing distinct engagement patterns. Although the challenge successfully increased physical activity, maintaining long-term motivation remains difficult. These findings offer insights into how to design future health programs that incorporate strategies such as continuous feedback and tailored interventions to support sustained engagement and physical activity.