Klebez, J., Richardson, J., Febbo, S., Tucker, D., LeMura, L., & Cohen, S. The effects of reinforcement schedules on increases in electromyographic (EMG) response. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 1465.

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of schedules of reinforcement (feedback) on increases in forearm muscle tension. Five schedules were examined: Continuous (CRF), fixed ratio (FR), variable ratio (VR), fixed interval (FI), and variable interval (VI). An increase in forearm muscle tension produced tones and lights (feedback/reinforcer). Ss (N = 33) were required to produce as many sounds and lights as possible. Each minute of squeezing a sensor was followed by a 20-s rest period. Ss were tested for 15-min sessions for each of three days.

Group differences were only significant for the last six minutes of the third session. Continuous and fixed ratio schedules produced the highest values. Fixed interval produced the lowest scores.

Implication. Continuous feedback produces the best responses in repeated exercise tasks.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.