Association for Behavior Analysis International

Although physical activity is associated with improved long-term health outcomes, a large number of adults and children fail to meet physical activity guidelines. Contingency management is an effective approach to increasing physical activity, however the cost of the incentives is a barrier to dissemination and implementation. The first speaker two speakers will address this issue by exploring novel strategies for reducing costs. McCurdy and colleagues will describe his research using a group-deposit-incentive, prize-bowl approach with adults, whereas Hanashiro-Parson and colleagues will describe their study comparing token economy vs monetary incentives to increase physical activity among individuals with intellectual disabilities. The last two speakers will address novel strategies for evaluating physical activity, for example using heart rate in a bout analysis with children (Batchelder) and a hypothetical behavioral economic measure of demand for physical activity (Burrows). Dr. Donlin will discuss the implications of these finding.

Researchers interested in conducting research on physical activity

The current recommendation for physical activity for children is 60 min or more of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) per day (CDC, 2015). Many children are not currently meeting the CDC recommendations for MVPA, though they may engage in intermittent exercise while playing outside. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate HR measures when children engaged in a vigorous (run) physical activity 50% of the session, alternated with rest (sitting), light activity (walking slowly), or moderate activity (walking briskly) for the remaining 50%. First, participants ran for bouts of either 30-s, 1 min, 1.5 min, or 2 min alternated with rest periods. HR remained in the moderate zone for the highest percentage of session in 30-s and 1 min bouts, but decreased below the moderate zone during rest periods extending to 1.5 and 2 min. We then alternated run activities with rest, light, and moderate activities in 1.5 min bouts. Preliminary results indicate spending non-running time engaged in a light or moderate activity maintains HRs in the moderate zone more so than spending rest time sedentary. Findings will inform the most efficient way for children to meet CDC recommendations when engaging in physical activity in bouts.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of token reinforcement and monetary reinforcement for increasing physical activity among adults with intellectual disability and to assess choice of token or monetary reinforcement. An ABAB design with an alternating treatments design was used to compare token and monetary reinforcement for increasing steps during daily 1-hr sessions. In the second intervention phase, the participants chose between the two reinforcement conditions. Results showed that both reinforcement conditions increased physical activity and that some participants chose tokens and some chose money as the reinforcer for steps.