Deceleration of self-injurious and stereotypic responding by exercise.

A jogging exercise program was implemented for two severely retarded adults who exhibited high rates of self-injurious behavior and stereotyped mannerisms. Exercise was increased from one mile per day to three miles per day over a six-week period. Baseline measures were taken on the self-injurious behavior, stereotyped body rocking and pacing, sitting, and social interactions. Aberrant responding gradually decreased over the six weeks. Daily response rates were lower after the exercise as contrasted with before. When the program was terminated aberrant responding again increased.