Compete With a Purpose, Bring Home a Ring: Impact of Sport Education on Incarcerated Young Adults Health-Related Fitness Markers

Purpose : Despite knowledge promoting physical activity as a key factor in maintaining overall well-being, there are notable discrepancies in the levels of physical activity among incarcerated young adults. This study aimed to implement a basketball Sport Education season within a detention center setting to evaluate changes in incarcerated young adults’ health-related fitness markers. Method : Participants were 43 incarcerated male young adults ( M age = 19.7; SD = .49), who were assigned to control and Sport Education groups. Results : Findings indicated significant improvements in the intervention group’s body mass index, Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run laps, push-ups, and sit-ups (all p < .001), while participants from the control group showed declines in each of those areas. Discussion : Using a structured Sport Education program successfully enhanced fitness levels and improved health of incarcerated young adults living primarily sedentary lifestyles. Future research might seek to evaluate health improvements after conclusion of the program or impact of the current model on varying demographics.