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Fit for prison: Special population health and fitness programme evaluation

Andrew Cashin (University of Technology Sydney and NSW Justice Health, Pagewood, NSW, Australia)
Emily Potter (University of Technology Sydney and NSW Justice Health, Pagewood, NSW, Australia)
Warren Stevens (NSW Department of Corrective Services, NSW, Australia)
Kerri Davidson (NSW Justice Health, NSW, Australia)
Diane Muldoon (NSW Justice Health, NSW, Australia)

International Journal of Prisoner Health

ISSN: 1744-9200

Article publication date: 1 April 2008

265

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate a health and fitness programme conducted within a New South Wales, Australia correctional facility for male inmates with a chronic illness. Design. A randomised control trial. Sample. Twenty male inmate participants with a chronic illness, two risk factors for developing a chronic illness or who were over the age of 40 years. Measurements. Pre and post programme health assessments that included resting blood pressure and heart rate, weight, body mass index, waist girth, peak flow measures, peripheral saturation of oxygen, blood glucose levels and 6 minute walk test. Intervention. A 12‐week structured exercise programme focusing on cardio respiratory endurance, strength and flexibility training. Results. Statistically significant improvements in resting heart rate and endurance were found. Conclusions. The health and fitness programme positively impacts on the health of inmates with a chronic illness. A further study with a larger sample size would be productive.

Keywords

Citation

Cashin, A., Potter, E., Stevens, W., Davidson, K. and Muldoon, D. (2008), "Fit for prison: Special population health and fitness programme evaluation", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 208-216. https://doi.org/10.1080/17449200802473131

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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