Comparison of Token Reinforcement and Monetary Reinforcement to Increase Steps in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in a Group Home Setting

As the obesity rate in America continues to rise, the levels of physical activity have persistently declined at a rapid pace across all age groups. This trend is demonstrated most significantly in individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities (ID). Due to the high obesity rate in individuals with ID, it is crucial to find an effective intervention to increase physical activity. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of token reinforcement and monetary reinforcement for increasing physical activity among adults with ID, to assess preference for token or monetary reinforcement, and to evaluate the effects of choice of reinforcement procedure on physical activity. An ABAB design with an alternating treatments design was used to compare the two conditions (token reinforcement and monetary reinforcement). In the second intervention phase, the participants chose between the two reinforcement conditions. Results showed that both reinforcement conditions increased physical activity