Evaluating physical activity levels -- Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series.
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Abstract
Physical activity (PA), including light, moderate, and vigorous body movements, has received increased attention in the applied behavior analysis literature in the last two decades. This chapter will review the recent literature on the direct and indirect measures of PA, in addition to the assessments commonly used to determine environmental events associated with increased PA in children. Specifically, both observational and mechanical devices have been used to measure physical activity, and descriptive assessments and functional/reinforcer assessments have been used to assess PA in children. The behavioral literature evaluating interventions for increasing PA in typically developing adults and children, as well as those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, will also be reviewed. In general, contingent rewards and self-monitoring have been commonly used in interventions with typically developing children, adults, and individuals with disabilities. Some interventions, however, have only been used with specific populations. This chapter will address considerations for current practices related to PA and identify gaps in the literature.
