Preference for progressive delays and concurrent physical therapy exercise in an adult with acquired brain injury.
The purpose of this study was to increase self-control and engagement in a physical therapy task (head holding) for a man with acquired traumatic brain injury. Once impulsivity was observed (i.e., repeated impulsive choices), an experimental condition was introduced that consisted of choices between a small immediate reinforcer, a large fixed-delay reinforcer, and a large progressive-delay reinforcer. The participant showed a preference for the progressive-delay option, even when the duration of the delay exceeded that of the fixed delay. The results have implications for establishing optimal choice making and teaching life-enhancing skills.
Dixon
Mark R
MR
Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, USA. mdixon@siu.edu
Falcomata
Terry S
TS
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D015444:Exercise; D006257:Head / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011187:Posture; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology