The Effects of Fitness Training and Reinforcement on Maladaptive Behaviors of Institutionalized Adults,Classified as Mentally Retarded/Emotionally Disturbed

Abstract

This study examined the effects of physical fitness training and reinforcement on the collateral maladaptive behaviors of institutionalized adults who are mentally retarded | emotionally disturbed. Daily one hour fitness training sessions were provided within the framework of an ABAB single subject research design across five subjects. Baseline phases were one week in length, intervention phases lasted three weeks each and four sessions of follow-up data were recorded daily two weeks after the last intervention session. Data on maladaptive behavior were taken in each client's residential unit for one hour after each fitness training session whether held (intervention) or not (baselines and follow-up). This hour was individually determined to be that focal hour when maladaptive behaviors occurred most frequently. The results for both individual and group data showed a dramatic decrease of target behavior during intervention phases and a clear increase during the baseline and maintenance phases. It was concluded that a continuous structured program of physical activity and reinforcement may be able to replace some or all of a client's medication or physical restraint. A combination of individualized physical fitness activities and reinforcement therefore should be given high priority when institutional program developers plan programs for individuals who display maladaptive behavior. Recommendations for future related research are offered.