Fitness levels and physical activity among class A drug users entering prison.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: Physical activity could benefit drug users' physiological and mental health. Previous research has suggested that physical activity levels change when drug users enter prison. METHODS: Twenty-five class A drug users who were new to prison answered physical activity and drug use cross-sectional questionnaires, took a submaximal fitness test and wore a pedometer for 1 week. RESULTS: Participants' mean aerobic capacity was estimated as 49 mls O2/kg/min (±12 SD). Their mean self-reported walking distance outside of prison was 4.67 miles on an average day (±4.14 SD). Pedometer data suggest they walked a mean of 1.8 miles/day in prison. CONCLUSION: Many class A drug users entering prison had high levels of fitness and physical activity before admission, often gained from walking. Walking activity reduced when they entered prison, posing a challenge to maintaining healthy activity levels.

Authors: Fischer, J; Butt, C; Dawes, H; Foster, C; Neale, J

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of sports medicine
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 16
• Pages: 1142-1144
• Publication date: 2012-12-01
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2011-090724
• EISSN: 1473-0480
• ISSN: 0306-3674
• Language: English
• Keywords: Adult; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prisons; Prisoners; Substance-Related Disorders; Exercise; Walking; Questionnaires; Male; Physical Fitness; Young Adult; Drug Users