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Operant conditioning of human anal sphincter pressure
1University of Washington.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|July 1, 1973
Summary
This study shows that reinforcement schedules can modify anal sphincter pressure in encopretic children. Baseline resting pressure increased during extinction, indicating potential for behavioral interventions in managing encopresis.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Urology
Background:
- Encopresis, or fecal incontinence, affects children and can be linked to issues with anal sphincter control.
- Understanding the modifiability of anal sphincter pressure is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of reinforcement schedules on anal sphincter pressure in a child with encopresis.
- To determine the relationship between reinforcement and pressure changes in the anal sphincter.
Main Methods:
- A 13-year-old encopretic boy participated in the study.
- Anal sphincter pressure was measured using a fluid-filled balloon inserted into the rectum.
- Reinforcement was applied to encourage increases in rectal balloon pressure.
Main Results:
- Observed modifications in anal sphincter pressure were directly related to the applied reinforcement schedule.
- Baseline anal sphincter pressure, measured during extinction conditions, showed a tendency to increase over the experimental period.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcement schedules can effectively modify anal sphincter pressure in pediatric encopresis.
- The findings suggest that behavioral interventions targeting sphincter control may be beneficial for managing encopresis.
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