A behavioral approach to physical rehabilitation: a case study

This report presents an application of a behavioral approach used in treatment of a 65-year-old multiple handicapped woman admitted to a 29-bed physical rehabilitation hospital unit. Measurement used was a combined multiple baseline and BABA design. Findings can be summarized as follows: 1) Inappropriate behavior decreased during treatment, i.e., call outs and appropriate behavior increased, time spent out of bed, adhering to her diet, and wearing of a back brace; 2) Treatment quickly generalized to other behaviors;3) Follow-up measures at 6 and 18 months showed continued improvement.