Cardiorespiratory fitness of inmates of a maximum security prison in Nigeria

Abstract

Prisoners are a special population group who have limited freedom and are subjected to restrictions. They may not be able to enjoy health enhancing leisure and recreational activities or exercise of their choice or at a time they desire.

The aim of this study is to determine the level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of inmates in Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison; and also to determine the effects of age, gender, and period of incarceration on CRF. A total of 247 apparently healthy inmates of Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison participated in the 2 study. The subjects performed a one-mile walk test from which their VO max was derived using a nomogram.

The results show that the prison inmates appear to have a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. The male inmates were found to have higher cardiorespiratory fitness than their female counterparts, but no significant relationship was found between CRF and period of incarceration, or between CRF and the age of the inmates.

The cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of the prison inmates in Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison is good. Further investigation of the influence of other potential variables of physical activity such as vocational facilities and sporting opportunities on the CRF of prison inmates in Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison is necessary.

Keywords: prison inmates, incarceration, cardiorespiratory fitness, vocational training