Access to TV contingent on physical activity: effects on reducing TV-viewing and body-weight

One child was recruited for a study assessing the effectiveness of a device aimed at reducing excessive television viewing and increasing exercising. The device was comprised of a control box which attaches to the electrical cord of a television set, and two sensors which attached to the wheel and c orresponding wheel rim of a stationary bicycle. The child in this study was watching an excessive amount of TV (averaging over 4 hours per day), and s he had a weight problem. An ABAB design was used in the study. After collec ting baseline data, the child was required to ride a bicycle for 60 minutes to watch 60 minutes of TV, and this program successfully reduced TV viewin g. Reductions in TV viewing and weight loss were found at a follow-up. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.