Body posture in young, physically active and non-active people in prison

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the posture of adult men living in prison who engage in physical activity in prison exercise rooms without instructor supervision, compared to men who are physically inactive living in prison. Design/methodology/approach A total of 119 people living in prison in Warsaw signed up to participate in the My Posture is an Important Topic health promotion program. The assessment of body posture was a central part of the program. After applying the inclusion criteria, the group consisted of 38 people living in prison. Seventeen people in this group engaged in physical activity without the supervision of an instructor. The control group consisted of 21 male physically inactive people. Findings In the group of physically active men, significantly higher values of the thoracic kyphosis depth (p = 0.021) and the pelvic tilt angle (p = 0.038) were noted in comparison to the control group. The distances of the lower angle of the scapula from the spine among physically active people in prison had lower values than in the control group (p = 0.015). Research limitations/implications The weak test power reached (and smaller than expected effect size) suggests that, despite statistical significance, the effect may be accidental and requires replication in a larger sample study. Practical implications The research findings demonstrate the need to offer guidance, and exercises should be monitored regarding training methodology, including the selection of training plans and proper exercise execution. Originality/value This study concerns the body posture of people living in prison in the context of their physical activity and prison conditions, making a unique contribution to the evidence on the impact of prison life on health.