Impact of exercise intervention on anxiety levels and mood profile of Greek prison inmates

Authors

  • Dimitra Psychou University of Thessaly, Greece
  • Dimitrios Kokaridas University of Thessaly, Greece
  • Nikolaos Koulouris University of Thrace, Greece
  • Yannis Theodorakis University of Thessaly, Greece
  • Charalampos Krommidas University of Thessaly, Greece
  • Christos Psychos Correctional Institution of Grevena, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2021.161.13

Keywords:

Prison, Exercise, Mood, Anxiety

Abstract

Imprisonment is clearly associated with mental health problems among prisoners. Evidence across research literature shows that exercise in detention environments improves mental health. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of an exercise program on mood profile and anxiety of inmates in Greek prisons. Sixty male inmates randomly assigned in two groups (control and experiment). Individuals of the exercise group received a 12 weeks training program at a frequency of three (3) training sessions each week of 60 minutes per session. Control group individuals did not participate in the exercise program. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered to both groups prior and after exercise intervention. The findings of this study support the beneficial effect of exercise on mood and anxiety of inmates in Greek prison settings.

Funding

The research for this paper was financially supported by General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT), Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI).

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Published

2021-02-04

How to Cite

Psychou, D., Kokaridas, D., Koulouris, N., Theodorakis, Y., Krommidas, C., & Psychos, C. (2021). Impact of exercise intervention on anxiety levels and mood profile of Greek prison inmates. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 16(1), 147–156. https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2021.161.13

Issue

Section

Sport Medicine, Nutrition & Health

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