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Deceleration of self-injurious and stereotypic responding by exercise
Applied Research in Mental Retardation
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Jogging exercise significantly reduced self-injurious behavior and stereotyped mannerisms in adults with severe intellectual disabilities. Aberrant behaviors returned when the exercise program was stopped, highlighting exercise
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Intellectual Disability Research
Background:
- Individuals with severe intellectual disabilities often exhibit self-injurious behavior (SIB) and stereotyped mannerisms.
- Interventions are sought to decrease these challenging behaviors and improve quality of life.
Observation:
- A jogging exercise program was introduced to two adults with severe intellectual disabilities and high rates of SIB and stereotyped behaviors.
- Exercise intensity gradually increased from one to three miles daily over six weeks.
Findings:
- Aberrant behaviors, including SIB, stereotyped body rocking, and pacing, showed a gradual decrease throughout the six-week exercise program.
- Daily response rates of aberrant behaviors were significantly lower post-exercise compared to baseline.
- Upon program termination, aberrant responding increased again.
Implications:
- Regular aerobic exercise may serve as an effective intervention for reducing SIB and stereotyped behaviors in individuals with severe intellectual disabilities.
- Exercise programs can be a valuable component of behavioral management strategies.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and optimal parameters of exercise interventions.