VIGOROUS, AEROBIC EXERCISE VERSUS GENERAL MOTOR TRAINING ACTIVITIES -EFFECTS ON MALADAPTIVE AND STEREOTYPIC BEHAVIORS OF ADULTS WITH BOTH AUTISM AND MENTAL-RETARDATION

Examined the effects of antecedent exercise conditions on maladaptive and stereotypic behaviors in 6 adults with both autism and moderate to profound mental retardation. The behaviors were observed in a control led environment before and after 2 exercise and 1 nonexercise conditio ns. From the original group of 6 participants, 2 were selected subsequ ently to participate in aerobic exercise immediately before performing a community-integrated vocational task. Only antecedent aerobic exerc ise significantly reduced maladaptive and stereotypic behaviors in the controlled setting. Neither of the less vigorous antecedent condition s did. When aerobic exercise preceded the vocational task, similar red uctions were observed. There were individual differences in response t o antecedent exercise. Use of antecedent aerobic exercise to reduce ma ladaptive and stereotypic behaviors of adults with both autism and men tal retardation is supported.