ANTECEDENT EXERCISE IN THE TREATMENT OF DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR - A METAANALYTIC REVIEW

A review and meta-analysis of 42 group and single-case studies evaluat ing antecedent exercise (AE) as a means of reducing disruptive behavio rs was conducted. Of 16 group studies, 12 produced positive results an d 4 produced negative results. The weighted mean effect sire, expresse d as Cohen's d, was .33 with a standard error of .08. Moderator analys is indicated that studies using direct behavioral observation, hyperac tive subjects, or nonaerobic exercise obtained greater effects, and th at studies of higher quality obtained weaker effects. Of 26 single-cas e studies, 22 produced positive results, 1 produced no effect, and 3 p roduced negative results. The weighted mean effect size, expressed as d, was 1.99 with a standard error of .411. Among the single-subject st udies, moderator analyses were unable to detect statistically signific ant moderators of effect sire. Information was reviewed suggesting tha t AE is socially acceptable, can be implemented with treatment integri ty, and has a benign side effect profile. The extent to which AE is fu nctionally based remains open to question due to a lack of understandi ng regarding mechanism of action. Ten hypothesized mechanisms of actio n are briefly discussed.