Investigating the Effects of Self-Monitoring, Goal Setting and a Group Contingency for Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults with an Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Frequent physical activity at a moderate intensity has been linked to improved physical and mental health outcomes. The current study investigated the effects of self-monitoring, goal setting and a group contingency program on increasing physical activity among four adults with an Intellectual Disability (ID). A Garmin Vivosmart HR fitness tracker was used to measure steps and active calories per day. Previous studies that have used behavioural interventions to increase physical activity have primarily targeted individuals without disabilities and have not incorporated motivating operations into the goal setting sessions nor considered the relationship between anxiety and physical activity. The current study aimed to address these gaps in the research. The self-monitoring and goal setting intervention improved mean step count for three of four participants and the addition of an interdependent group contingency program resulted in further increases in mean step counts and active calories burned for three of the four participants. Results from the social validity survey and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) conveyed that all participants benefited from the different physical activities and three of four participants reported to experience less anxiety following completion of physical activity.