Participation in a 9-month selected physical exercise programme enhances psychological well-being in a prison population

Background There is general population evidence that physical exercise is effective inreducing the risk of depression and has positive effects on mood. Some prisons encourageexercise, but there is no evidence specific to this group on its benefits or the relativemerits of different programmes.Aims To test the effect of physical exercise on the psychological well-being of prisonersand to determine which mental disorders are most affected by physical activity.Methods Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned across three groups:cardiovascular plus resistance training (CRT), high-intensity strength training (HIST)and no exercise. Before and after the 9-month experimental period, all participantscompleted the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised.Results Each form of exercise significantly reduced depression scale scores compared withthose in the control group, in which average depression scale scores actually increased. TheCRT group also showed a significant decrease in GSI scores on the Symptom Checklist-90and on its interpersonal sensitivity scale, whereas the HIST group also significantlyimproved on the anxiety, phobic anxiety and hostility scale scores.Conclusions Our evidence, taken together with general population studies, supports introductionof supervised, moderately intense exercise for at least 1 h per week for men in prison.They form a high risk group for mental disorders, and such exercise reduces depression and anxiety.Minimal special equipment is needed forCRT. Further research should replicate the studyin a larger, multi-centre trial, and examine impact on shorter-term and longer-term prisoners,female prisoners and effects on recidivism.