NCJ Number
153327
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 1 Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 5-16
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the influence of an exercise program on depression in male county jail inmates.
Abstract
Twenty-five subjects from one jail received 3 hours of organized aerobic exercise weekly for 12 weeks; 20 inmates from another facility constituted the control group. Both groups completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) twice, with a 12- week interval between tests. The BDI assessed the presence and extent of depression in all subjects. Twenty-one items offer multiple-choice responses for each item. The results of this study suggest that a 12-week program of regular aerobic exercise decreased symptoms of depression in the sample of male county jail inmates. Findings are consistent with those of previous research, suggesting that regular exercise is associated with reduction in measures of depression on the BDI. A number of conceivable pathways exist through which this intervention may have influenced the perceived decrease in subject depression. First, it is possible that exercise directly affects mood. Second, the presence of the investigator and his assistant at all exercise sessions could have decreased attrition and encouraged the subjects to continue participation in the study, a factor that could bias the ultimate outcome. Finally, the alteration in routine for the subjects may have provided sufficient enjoyment and diversion to ameliorate mild depression. 25 references