Abstract
An evaluation was conducted on the use of a new task analysis based on the engineering technique of motion study in order to improve the productivity rates for three adults with severe mental retardation in an adult continuing education program. Through careful consideration of the principles of motion economy, the most effective therbligs were selected to form a new task analysis for the target mailing task. The subjects were then taught these more efficient movements for this previously mastered task. The effectiveness of the movement training procedure was examined in a multiple baseline across subjects design to determine its effectiveness in increasing production rate. The results showed that movement training was effective in improving production rate. Most importantly, movement training also provided long-term maintenance of desired performance levels.
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