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The effects of increased physical exercise on disruptive behavior in retarded persons

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Abstract

The low frequency but highly intense disruptive behavior of 10 institutionalized mentally retarded persons was treated by providing them with opportunities for vigorous exercise. In two experiments, severely aggressive and hyperactive clients were exposed to two daily periods of jogging and strenuous activities in multiple baseline designs across clients. Rating scale data collected daily from cottage and school personnel indicated a systematic reduction in problem behavior for 8 of the 10 participants to levels considered “not a problem” or only “an occasional problem”. Physical exercise may offer promise as an effective, benign, and practical adjunct to other treatment and management techniques.

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The authors thank Susan Dancy, Betsy Silverman, and Debra Mobley for their untiring assistance in conducting the study, and Western Carolina Center Staff who served as raters. As always, meda Smith's preparation of the manuscript, the comment of Jim Favell and the WCC psychology staff, and the general support of the Western Carolina Center administration were vital and greatly appreciated.

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McGimsey, J.F., Favell, J.E. The effects of increased physical exercise on disruptive behavior in retarded persons. J Autism Dev Disord 18, 167–179 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02211944

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