EFFECTS OF A STRUCTURED PHYSICAL EXERCISE PROGRAM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUSCULAR STRENGTH IN PRISON POPULATIONS

Cosmin Marian TOMESCU; Martin DOMOKOS; Bogdan ALMAJAN; Simona PETRACOVSCHI

doi:10.24193/subbeag.70.sp.iss.2.53

EFFECTS OF A STRUCTURED PHYSICAL EXERCISE PROGRAM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUSCULAR STRENGTH IN PRISON POPULATIONS

Authors

Cosmin Marian TOMESCU Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, West University of Timisoara, Romania. Corresponding author: cosmin.tomescu@yahoo.com
Martin DOMOKOS Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, West University of Timisoara, Romania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3925-7618
Bogdan ALMAJAN Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, West University of Timisoara, Romania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0663-1172
Simona PETRACOVSCHI Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, West University of Timisoara, Romania https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7845-7164

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.70.sp.iss.2.53

Keywords:

motor activity, muscular tone, physical education, rehabilitation

Abstract

Physical inactivity represents a major concern in prison environments, where limited movement opportunities contribute to decreased physical fitness and muscular strength. Structured exercise programs can mitigate these negative effects and support inmates’ overall health and rehabilitation. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured physical exercise program on the development of muscular strength among incarcerated individuals, emphasizing its potential contribution to physical and psychological well-being. Sixty male prisoners participated and were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group followed a four-month structured exercise program with four sessions per week, progressing through stages of anatomical adaptation, calisthenics for hypertrophy, circuit strength training, and high-intensity anaerobic exercises. Exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, and squats were used. Muscular strength was measured before and after the intervention. The results indicated significant improvements in muscular strength within the experimental group, while the control group showed no relevant changes between pretest and posttest assessments. These findings demonstrate that a structured physical exercise program effectively enhances muscular strength and overall physical condition, supporting its implementation as a key component of health promotion and rehabilitation initiatives in correctional settings.

References

American College of Sports Medicine. (2009). Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(3), 687–708. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181915670

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Freeman.

Battaglia, C., di Cagno, A., Fiorilli, G., Giombini, A., Fagnani, F., Borrione, P., & Pigozzi, F. (2015). Benefits of selected physical exercise programs in detention: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 33(11), 1106–1114. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.986187

Calatayud, J., Borreani, S., Colado, J. C., Martin, F., Tella, V., Andersen, L. L., & Behm, D. G. (2019). The effects of push-up training on muscular strength and muscular endurance: A randomized controlled trial. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 90(4), 518–525. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1615601

Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013). A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for adults: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10(1), 135. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-10-135

Fox, K. R. (2000). The effects of exercise on self-perceptions and self-esteem. In Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being (pp. 81–92). Routledge.

Frigout, J., Degrenne, O., & Delafontaine, A. (2020). The level of aggressiveness during karate practice of inmates in correctional settings. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 567668. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.567668

Haff, G. G., & Triplett, N. T. (2015). Essentials of strength training and conditioning (4th ed.). Human Kinetics.

Liguori, F., Napoletano, A., Di Giacomo, D., & Sibilio, M. (2024). Physical activity and wellbeing in prisoners: A scoping review. Journal of Correctional Health Care. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783458231145678

Lochner, L., & Moretti, E. (2001). The effect of education on crime: Evidence from prison inmates, arrests, and self-reports. American Economic Review, 94(1), 155–189.

Morgan, R., & Liebling, A. (2007). Imprisonment: Key issues in penal policy. Willan Publishing.

Mutz, M., Liguori, L., & Gasser, P. (2023). Sport interventions in prisons and their effect on self-esteem and mental health. Journal of Sport Psychology, 41(2), 120–136.

Oh, J., Wirth, K., & Zinner, C. (2021). Effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training program on physical fitness in prison inmates. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111318

Suni, J., Oja, P., & Miilunpalo, S. (1996). Health-related fitness test battery for adults: Aspects of reliability. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 77(4), 399–405.

Zubala, A., MacIntyre, T. E., Gleeson, N., & Kinsella, E. (2014). Effectiveness of prison-based exercise training programs: A systematic review. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 11(6), 1196–1207. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2012-0143.

STUDIA UBB EDUCATIO ARTIS GYMN., Volume 70 (LXX), Special Issue 2, December 2025

Downloads

Published

2025-12-10

How to Cite

TOMESCU, C. M., DOMOKOS, M., ALMAJAN, B., & PETRACOVSCHI, S. (2025). EFFECTS OF A STRUCTURED PHYSICAL EXERCISE PROGRAM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUSCULAR STRENGTH IN PRISON POPULATIONS. Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai Educatio Artis Gymnasticae, 70(2), 277–286. https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.70.sp.iss.2.53