The Effect of a Token Economy on the Exercise Behavior of Individuals with Down Syndrome

1989 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freddie Bennett ◽  
Pat Eisenman ◽  
Ron French ◽  
Hester Henderson ◽  
Barry Shultz

A single-subject multiple baseline design across subjects was used to discern the effect of a token economy on the exercise behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with Down syndrome. The subjects were three females ranging in age from 24 to 26 years, with estimated IQs between 32 and 56. The exercise behavior consisted of pedaling a cycle ergometer for 15 min each weekday at 50-60% of peak VO2 for 6 to 8 weeks. Subjects voluntarily pedaled the cycle ergometer during the baseline phase, and after stabilization entered the intervention phase at 5-day intervals. During the intervention phase, tokens that could be exchanged for preferred items were dispensed for a predetermined number of revolutions. Based on the data and calculations using the split-middle technique, it was concluded that a token economy can be used to increase exercise behavior. Resting heart rates decreased 12.2%, and submaximal exercise heart rates, averaged over three work stages, decreased 18.8% over the course of the study. The small sample size, variable subject response, and a malfunctioning gas analyzer call for caution in inferring any possible cardiorespiratory fitness training effect.

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merel-Anne Brehm ◽  
Astrid C.J. Balemans ◽  
Jules G. Becher ◽  
Annet J. Dallmeijer

BackgroundRehabilitation research in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is increasingly addressing cardiorespiratory fitness testing. However, evidence on the reliability of peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) measurements, considered the best indicator of aerobic fitness, is not available in this population.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to establish the reliability of a progressive maximal cycle ergometer test when assessing V̇o2peak in children with mild to moderate CP.DesignRepeated measures were used to assess test-retest reliability.MethodsEligible participants were ambulant, 6 to 14 years of age, and classified as level I, II, or III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Two progressive maximal cycle ergometer tests were conducted (separated by 3 weeks), with the workload increasing every minute in steps of 3 to 11 W, dependent on height and GMFCS level. Reliability was determined by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]) and smallest detectable change (SDC).ResultsTwenty-one children participated (GMFCS I: n=4; GMFCS II: n=12; and GMFCS III: n=5). Sixteen of them (9 boys, 7 girls; GMFCS I: n=3; GMFCS II: n=11; and GMFCS III: n=2) performed 2 successful tests, separated by 9.5 days on average. Reliability for V̇o2peak was excellent (ICC=.94, 95% confidence interval=.83–.98). The SDC was 5.72 mL/kg/min, reflecting 14.6% of the mean.LimitationsThe small sample size did not allow separate analysis of reliability per GMFCS level.ConclusionsIn children with CP of GMFCS levels I and II, a progressive maximal cycle ergometer test to assess V̇o2peak is reliable and has the potential to detect change in cardiorespiratory fitness over time. Further study is needed to establish the reliability of V̇o2peak in children of GMFCS level III.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Nasim Baheri Eslami ◽  
Mir Mahmoud Mirnasab ◽  
Ayyoub Malek ◽  
Shahrokh Amiri

<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> This study aimed to examine Terri Hiltel’s Self-monitoring Program on improving the attention of four primary school students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Single subject multiple-baseline design (ABA) across participants was utilized. The participants were observed along the baseline phase and the percentage of their target behaviors was accurately recorded. After the baseline, the students were trained by Terri Hiltel’s Self-monitoring program (called <em>shiny light bulb method</em>) for 12 sessions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Level and trend analysis showed that the data points were placed at a level lower than the baseline for all the participants at intervention phase. That is, manifestation of off-task behaviors of the students in this phase decreased compared to the non-intervention phase (baseline); However, therapeutic effects discontinued and reduced at follow-up phase.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Findings supported the effectiveness of self-monitoring program as a therapeutic cognitive-behavioral technique. The Study implications are discussed for applying this technique in schools and using it along with other treatments.</p>


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mi Kyung Kim ◽  
Deok Ju Kim

The purpose of this study is to treat dysphagia in a newborn baby with cri du chat syndrome using an oral stimulation intervention and to examine its effects. The subject of this study was a baby born 2 weeks prematurely. Since birth, his oxygen saturation (SaO2) decreased while feeding, and he had difficulty with mouth feeding. Thus, an NG feeding tube was inserted, and dysphagia treatment was initiated on the sixth day after birth. A baseline phase and an intervention phase were performed using an AB design. The oral stimulation intervention was not performed in the baseline phase, as only nonnutritive sucking training using a rubber pacifier was used during the baseline phase. During the intervention phase, nonnutritive sucking training and oral stimulation intervention were simultaneously conducted. After the intervention period, daily oral milk intake and intake per feeding of the subject noticeably increased. The oxygen saturation while feeding rose over 90% on average, and the baby did not present with hypoxia. The oral stimulation intervention provided prior to feeding resulted in highly positive effects, including induced normal development of the baby, stimulation of his transition from the NG feeding tube to bottle feeding, increased oxygen saturation, and a shortened hospital stay.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Reza Febri Abadi

Abstract: This research is motivated by the availability of an autistic have not been able to write. One of the learning media that is assumed to be able to improve the writing ability of the child is magneticsand. The purpose of this research is to find out the use of magnetic sand to improve writing skills in children with autism. This research was an experiment by using the Single Subject Research (SSR) approach and A – B – A design was as the design of this research. The researcher collected the data by using observation and documentation and the data was analyzed by using in condition and among condition analysis. This research conducted in a month by 4 – 8- 4 (A1 – B – A2) section and by behavior target which made line shapes and vocal letters. The data was obtained on behavior target 1 was 40 % in baseline phase 1 (A1,) 80% in intervention phase, and 71,25 % in the baseline and behavior target 2 was 35 % in baseline phase 1 (A1,),  80 % in intervention phase and 71,25 % in the baseline. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of magnetic sand as a media can improve student’s writing ability. 


1992 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 584-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron French ◽  
Lisa M. Silliman ◽  
Vic Ben-Ezra ◽  
Melinda Landrieu-Seiter

6 profoundly mentally retarded youth were provided a 5-wk. stair-climbing program to improve cardiorespiratory fitness behavior. Three subjects were provided verbal plus food reinforcement and the other three received verbal reinforcement during the intervention phase. Based on the visual inspection of the data, both types of reinforcement increased the number of steps taken and exercise time.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da-Wei Zhang ◽  
Stuart J. Johnstone ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Xiangsheng Li ◽  
Li Sun

The current study used behavioral and electroencephalograph measures to compare the transferability of cognitive training (CT), neurofeedback training (NFT), and CT combined with NFT in children with AD/HD. Following a multiple-baseline single-case experimental design, twelve children were randomized to a training condition. Each child completed a baseline phase, followed by an intervention phase. The intervention phase consisted of 20 sessions of at-home training. Tau-U analysis and standardized visual analysis were adopted to detect effects. CT improved inhibitory function, and NFT showed improved alpha activity and working memory. The combined condition, who was a reduced 'dose' of CT and NFT, did not show any improvements. The three conditions did not alleviate AD/HD symptoms. While CT and NFT may have near transfer effects, considering the lack of improvement in symptoms, this study does not support CT and NFT on their own as a treatment for children with AD/HD.


Author(s):  
Jessica Koschate ◽  
Uwe Drescher ◽  
Uwe Hoffmann

Abstract Introduction Adequate cardiorespiratory fitness is of utmost importance during spaceflight and should be assessable via moderate work rate intensities, e.g., using kinetics parameters. The combination of restricted sleep, and defined physical exercise during a 45-day simulated space mission is expected to slow heart rate (HR) kinetics without changes in oxygen uptake ($${\dot{\text{V}}\text{O}}_{{2}}$$ V ˙ O 2 ) kinetics. Methods Overall, 14 crew members (9 males, 5 females, 37 ± 7 yrs, 23.4 ± 3.5 kg m−2) simulated a 45-d-mission to an asteroid. During the mission, the sleep schedule included 5 nights of 5 h and 2 nights of 8 h sleep. The crew members were tested on a cycle ergometer, using pseudo-random binary sequences, changing between 30 and 80 W on day 8 before (MD-8), day 22 (MD22) and 42 (MD42) after the beginning and day 4 (MD + 4) following the end of the mission. Kinetics information was assessed using the maxima of cross-correlation functions (CCFmax). Higher CCFmax indicates faster responses. Results CCFmax(HR) was significantly (p = 0.008) slower at MD-8 (0.30 ± 0.06) compared with MD22 (0.36 ± 0.06), MD42 (0.38 ± 0.06) and MD + 4 (0.35 ± 0.06). Mean HR values during the different work rate steps were higher at MD-8 and MD + 4 compared to MD22 and MD42 (p < 0.001). Discussion The physical training during the mission accelerated HR kinetics, but had no impact on mean HR values post mission. Thus, HR kinetics seem to be sensitive to changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and may be a valuable parameter to monitor fitness. Kinetics and capacities adapt independently in response to confinement in combination with defined physical activity and sleep.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712098583
Author(s):  
Mats Hallgren ◽  
Davy Vancampfort ◽  
Thi-Thuy-Dung Nguyen ◽  
Elin Ekblom-Bak ◽  
Peter Wallin ◽  
...  

Purpose: To describe physical activity habits, sedentary behavior, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels among alcohol abstainers, hazardous and non-hazardous drinkers. Design: Cross-sectional study with data collected between 2017-19. Setting: Sweden. Subjects: Adults aged 18-65 years (n = 47,559; 59.4% male). Measures: During a routine health assessment, participants answered validated single-item questions regarding: habitual physical activity, structured exercise, and the percentage of time spent sedentary during leisure-time (past 30 days), and completed a 6-minute cycle ergometer test (V02max) to determine cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Participants were categorized as alcohol abstainers, non-hazardous drinkers or hazardous drinkers (low/high) based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) cut-points for men and women. Analysis: Logistic regression models stratified by sex and age. Results: Compared to non-hazardous drinkers, the heaviest drinkers were less physically active (males: OR = 1.38, CI = 1.13-1.67, p = .001; females: OR = 1.41, CI = 1.01-1.97, p = .040) and more sedentary during leisure time (males: OR = 1.94, CI = 1.62-2.32, p = .000; females: OR = 1.62, CI = 1.21-2.16, p = .001). Apart from young females, the heaviest drinkers also did less structured exercise than non-hazardous drinkers (males: OR = 1.22, CI = 1.15-1.51, p = .000; females: OR = 1.43, CI = 1.15-1.78, p = .001). The strongest associations were seen among adults aged 40-65 years (shown here). High-hazardous drinking was associated with low CRF among older males only (OR = 1.19, CI = 1.00-1.41). Conclusion: Middle-aged adults with AUDIT-C scores of ≥6 (women) and ≥7 (men) were less physically active and more sedentary during leisure time and may be appropriate targets for physical activity interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed F. Safi ◽  
Maitha Alnuaimi ◽  
Abdelaziz Sartawi

Purpose Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face difficulty with educational attainment because of to their inability to interact with others. One intervention that is used to increase social skills in individuals with ASD is social stories. This study aimed at exploring the impact of digital social stories in improving social skills of two students with ASD in the UAE. Design/methodology/approach An experimental AB single-subject study was conducted to investigate the impact of digital social stories on nonverbal communication, targeting two specific behaviors: raising hands before leaving one’s seat (TB1) and playing and sharing toys with peers (TB2). Two digital social stories (DSS1 and DSS2) were developed for the purpose of this study and transformed using a digital platform to be displayed on an iPad (tablet). Findings This study involved two male participants with ASD (10 and 11 years old). Participant one demonstrated improvement in TB1 (mean of 1.11) because of DSS1 in the intervention phase. Participant two demonstrated improvement of 18% in TB2 ( mean of 0.18) as a result of DSS2 in the intervention phase. Practical implications Both students that participated in the study showed a positive change in their target behaviors during the intervention phase intervention at different levels. Using an ABA study design would have been stronger in establishing a more valid causal relation in this single-subject design study. However, due the COVID-19 closures and curfews, the researchers had to switch to the AB design. Originality/value This study demonstrated how social stories had a positive impact on ASD social skills. Further, it indicated the potential effectiveness of using digital social stories to reduce undesirable behaviors or increase a desirable behaviors in children who have ASD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Zeiher ◽  
M Duch ◽  
L E Kroll ◽  
G B M Mensink ◽  
J D Finger ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Studies show that occupational physical activity (OPA) has less health-enhancing effects than leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). The spare data available suggests that OPA rarely includes aerobic PAs with little or no enhancing effects on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as a possible explanation. This study aims to investigate the associations between patterns of OPA and LTPA and CRF among adults in Germany. Methods 1,204 men and 1,303 women (18-64 years), who participated in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey 2008-2011, completed a standardized sub-maximal cycle ergometer test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Job positions were coded according to the level of physical effort to construct an occupational PA index and categorized as low vs. high OPA. LTPA was assessed via questionnaires and dichotomized in no vs. any LTPA participation. A combined LTPA/OPA variable was used (high OPA/ LTPA, low OPA/LTPA, high OPA/no LTPA, low OPA/no LTPA). Information on potential confounders was obtained via questionnaires (e.g., smoking and education) or physical measurements (e.g., waist circumference). Multi-variable logistic regression was used to analyze associations between OPA/LTPA patterns and VO2max. Results Preliminary analyses showed that less-active men were more likely to have a low VO2max with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.80 for low OPA/LTPA, 1.84 for high OPA/no LTPA and 3.46 for low OPA/no LTPA compared to high OPA/LTPA. The corresponding ORs for women were 1.11 for low OPA/LTPA, 3.99 for high OPA/no LTPA and 2.44 for low OPA/no LTPA, indicating the highest likelihood of low fitness for women working in physically demanding jobs and not engaging in LTPA. Conclusions Findings confirm a strong association between LTPA and CRF and suggest an interaction between OPA and LTPA patterns on CRF within the workforce in Germany. Women without LTPA are at high risk of having a low CRF, especially if they work in physically demanding jobs. Key messages Women not practicing leisure-time physical activity are at risk of having a low cardiorespiratory fitness, especially if they work in physically demanding jobs. Different impact of domains of physical activity should be considered when planning interventions to enhance fitness among the adult population.


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