ERIC Number: EJ1430956
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Aug
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1056-263X
EISSN: EISSN-1573-3580
Using Positive Reinforcement to Increase the Physical Activity of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: A Review
Katarina Rotta; Aidyn Raaymakers; Alan Poling
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, v35 n4 p551-575 2023
Physical activity has many benefits, but many individuals with developmental disabilities fail to exercise regularly. Procedures in which consequences were arranged for exercising, alone or as part of a treatment package, have consistently increased physical activity by members of this population. We review 19 studies that arranged such procedures. Single-component, multi-component, and comparison studies are included. Token reinforcement was the most common intervention strategy, appearing in nine studies. Other strategies included auditory, visual, verbal, and edible reinforcement; goal setting; self-monitoring; and verbal cuing. Physical activities included cycling, walking, running, aerobic and strength training activities, and snowshoeing. One-hundred and forty-two people, ranging from 6-67 years of age, participated in these studies. Over 91% of them responded favorably to the intervention. Unfortunately, only three studies, with a total of eight participants, reported maintenance data. Physical activity returned to near baseline levels for seven of them following termination of treatment. Also unfortunately, evaluation of the quality of the 19 studies using the Methodological Quality Rating Scale revealed that most studies were not methodologically strong. It is heartening that interventions for getting people with developmental disabilities to engage in regular physical activity are available. But more high-quality research is needed.
Descriptors: Physical Activity Level, Developmental Disabilities, Intervention, Physical Activities, Children, Adolescents, Adults, Positive Reinforcement, Research Methodology, Health Promotion
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A