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Our Focus
Our Focus
Our group is focused on researching health and physical activity behaviors of children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Specifically, we focus on investigating the dynamic interactions between the social and physical environments where children spend their time - such as home, childcare settings, school, after-school programs, youth sports - and how these interactions influence health behavior. Our long-term goal is to improve population health outcomes of and reduce disparities among children with IDD by promoting physical activity and other health behaviors.
We have expertise in:
Gross motor assessment
Physical activity assessment (e.g., accelerometers, direct observation, surveillance)
Adaptive/inclusive community physical activity programs
Community and setting-level interventions
Though we tend to focus on early childhood (0-8 years), we also investigate these topics in adolescence and young adulthood. See below to learn more about our active and recently completed studies.
Active Studies
Active Studies
Reducing Disparities in Sport Participation for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (IRB 0742-22-EX)
Reducing Disparities in Sport Participation for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (IRB 0742-22-EX)
In this study, we will examine the effects of an iterative, quality improvement and feedback intervention on participation rates and disparities in Special Olympics programs.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Michaela Schenkelberg
Primary Mentor: Dr. David Dzewaltowski, UNMC
Funding: This project is supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, U54 GM115458 which funds the Great Plains IDeA-CTR Network.
Recruiting Status: Ongoing
Related Publications and Presentations
Schenkelberg, MA, Helsel, B, Ptomey, L. (2023, May). Physical activity clinical trials and community-based interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Tutorial Lecture at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. Denver, CO.
Sport Participation Among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Nebraska (IRB 0386-22-EX)
Sport Participation Among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Nebraska (IRB 0386-22-EX)
This study aims to investigate the reach of Special Olympics sports programs on Nebraska children and young adults (ages 3 - 21 years) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to identify disparities in participation.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Michaela Schenkelberg
Primary Mentor: Dr. David Dzewaltowski, UNMC
Funding: This project is supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, U54 GM115458 which funds the Great Plains IDeA-CTR Network.
Recruiting Status: N/A
Related Publications and Presentations
Schenkelberg, MA, Helsel, B, Ptomey, L. (2023, May). Physical activity clinical trials and community-based interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Tutorial Lecture at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. Denver, CO.
Recently Completed Studies
Recently Completed Studies
Measuring Physical Activity and Nutrition Behaviors of Young Children with Down Syndrome (IRB 0232-24-EP)
Measuring Physical Activity and Nutrition Behaviors of Young Children with Down Syndrome (IRB 0232-24-EP)
This study aims to explore methods for measuring healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors of young children ages 2-6 years old with Down syndrome. Parents and caregivers will be asked to complete a brief eligibility survey which will take less than 5 minutes to complete. If they are eligible, then children with Down syndrome will wear a small device on their non-dominant wrist (similar to a watch) to measure physical activity for seven consecutive days. Parents will be asked to complete two dietary recalls that will take approximately 35 minutes each. At the end of the study period, parents will complete a brief structured interview, about 30 minutes long, to share their feedback about the physical activity device and dietary recalls.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Michaela Schenkelberg
Funding: This study was supported by the University of Nebraska at Omaha's University Committee on Research and Creative Activity Mini Grant
Recruiting Status: Closed 7/31/2024
Related Publications and Presentations
Schenkelberg, MA,Wasser, H, Clarke, E, Agrawal, S, Tchoua, P, Thompson, K, Hales, D, Willis, E. (Accepted) Feasibility of a protocol measuring physical activity, diet, and sleep behaviors of young children with Down syndrome. Submitted for oral presentation at the International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods. Toronto, CA. April 2025.
Wasser, H, Clarke, E, Agrawal, S, Tchoua, P, Thompson, K, Willis, E, Schenkelberg, MA. (Accepted) Overall diet quality and food group intakes among preschool-aged children with Down syndrome: Implications for obesity preventions. Submitted for oral presentation at the International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods. Toronto, CA. April 2025.
Exploring Access to Physical Activity Opportunities Among Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IRB 0048-23-EX)
Exploring Access to Physical Activity Opportunities Among Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IRB 0048-23-EX)
This study aims to: 1) explore individual, relational, communal, and societal factors that enable or inhibit the participation in physical activity among young adults with IDDs. 2) Explore perceived community opportunities for PA and active recreation among young adults with IDDs
Principal Investigator: Cynthia Lujan (Master's Student Thesis)
Primary Mentor: Dr. Michaela Schenkelberg
Funding: N/A
Recruiting Status: Closed
Related Publications and Presentations (* denotes graduate student mentee)
Schenkelberg, MA, Lujan, C*, Schulke, M*, Leader Janssen, E, Dinkel, D, Messerole, M (2024, May). Perceived access to physical activity opportunities among young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Oral presentation for the 2024 Annual Meeting of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Omaha, NE.
Other Collaborative Work
Other Collaborative Work
Our team has proudly collaborated with other research groups including:
Community Health and Wellness Resource Team, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Developmental Movement Lab, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Faculty in Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dzewaltowski Lab, University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center
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