EFFECTS OF DECREASING SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS ON ACTIVITY CHOICE IN OBESECHILDREN

In this study, methods of decreasing highly preferred sedentary behavi ors were compared and the consequent effects on activity choice were e xamined. Following free choice of sedentary and physical activities, 3 4 obese children either were positively reinforced for decreases in hi gh-preference sedentary activity, were punished for high-preference se dentary activity, had access to high-preference sedentary activity res tricted, or had no contingencies on activity (control group). Children randomized to reinforcement and punishment were more physically activ e on intervention days than the control group. Liking for targeted sed entary activity decreased in the reinforcement group, but increased in the restriction and control groups. Results suggest that reinforcing decreases in high-preference sedentary activity can increase physical activity and decrease liking for targeted sedentary activities.