| The purpose of this study was to increase the physical activity and decrease the weight of overweight adults with varying levels of developmental disabilities living in community settings. Teachers scheduled exercise periods for ten participants and recorded the amount of exercise and the weights of the participants. A motivational system was evaluated with three of the participants using a multiple baseline across subjects design. Participants were assessed on fitness assessments monthly. Eight of the participants lost weight ranging from 4 to 46 pounds during the study. Performance on the fitness tests varied, and few significant changes were seen. The motivational system increased the amount of exercise in two of three of the participants. Future research should focus on how to assess reliability of engagement in exercise in natural settings, variables that are essential to successful implementation of an exercise program, and the long-term effects of exercise in people with developmental disabilities. |
