title: The effects of exercise and cardiovascular fitness on stereotyped bodyrocking.
abstract: A severely mentally retarded person residing in a large state institution participated in a 16-week cardiovascular conditioning program. The participant engaged in a high rate of stereotyped bodyrocking. Cardiovascular fitness was estimated by a measure of heart recovery rate obtained during the exercise periods. The amount of bodyrocking was measured prior to, during and following the implementation of the conditioning program. Increased fitness and decreased rates of bodyrocking were noted. These results are encouraging with regard to the implementation of fitness training programs for persons with severe retardation who reside in institutions.
authors.affiliation: George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: MacLean
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gazdag
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D007590:Jogging; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior