Graduation Year

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Child and Family Studies

Major Professor

Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

Kimberly A. Crosland, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

Kwang-Sun Cho Blair, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Keywords

obesity, physical activity, Fitbit, steps, accelerometer

Abstract

Obesity is a growing problem that has life-threatening health consequences. One way to combat obesity is by increasing physical activity levels, which has been a focus of recent applied behavioral research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of goal setting and textual feedback without social support to increase physical activity, specifically weekly running distance. A multiple-baseline across participants design was employed with four participants using a Fitbit Flex accelerometer to collect two physical activity measures, intense steps and distance. Results showed a significant increase in weekly running distance for two out of four participants following the intervention.

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