Effects of slow stroking on three hyperactive behaviors in a six-year-old male

This study examined the effects of the slow stroking technique used by many occupational therapists on three defined hyperactive behaviors in a 6-year-old multi-handicapped male. A single case reversal design was used with two observers counting the behaviors of seat rocking, ex trancous sounds, and hand flapping during two baseline and two treatment phases. The results indicated no clinically significant changes in these behaviors following treatment. Two of the behaviors actually remained quite varia blc. The hand flapping behavior was the only one that did consistently decrease throughout the study. Further research is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of the slow stroking technique.