Fit for prison: special population health and fitness programme evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a health and fitness programme conducted within a New South Wales, Australia correctional facility for male inmates with a chronic illness.


METHODS
A randomised control trial.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Cashin
Andrew
A
University of Technology Sydney and NSW Justice Health, Pagewood, NSW, Australia. andrew.cashin@uts.edu.au
Potter
Emily
E
Stevens
Warren
W
Davidson
Kerri
K
Muldoon
Diane
D
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011329:Prisoners