Reducing inappropriate behaviors of developmentally disabled adults using antecedent aerobic dance exercises

The effects of aerobic dance exercise on inappropriate behaviors of two developmentally disabled adults were observed in a day activities center. The experimental phase, in which the subjects engaged in exercise with seven other individuals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week, was preceded and followed by baseline phases in which subjects did not exercise and in which there were no contingencies in effect for the dependent variables. Exercises consisted of those commonly used in exercise dance classes. Observations occurred during 15 minute periods immediately before and following exercise while subjects engaged in regular classroom activities. Observations also occurred in the same time periods on no-exercise days during all phases. Behaviors observed included inappropriate vocalizations, repetitive movements, and off-task. Results indicate for both subjects a decrease in each of the inappropriate behaviors as a result of exercise.