A six-week balance training intervention with older inmates improves static balance in a German prison

TL;DR

A six-week balance training program improved static balance in older inmates, suggesting potential benefits for aging prison populations.

Contribution

This study demonstrates that a short balance-training intervention can improve static balance in older inmates.

Findings

The training group showed 26% improvement in static balance.

Static balance on unstable surfaces improved by 33% in the training group.

Dynamic balance and well-being did not show significant changes.

Abstract

Given the accelerated aging processes and elevated fall risk associated with functional decline in correctional settings, developing effective exercise programs for older inmates is increasingly important.

This study examined the potential effects of a six‑week balance‑training program on static and dynamic balance performance, well‑being, and enjoyment of physical activity among older inmates in an open German prison. Ten male inmates (mean age = 62.1 ± 4.4 years) participated, with five assigned to an intervention group and five to a control group. The intervention comprised three 60‑minute sessions per week. based on a standardized balance‑training protocol for older adults. A repeated‑measures design assessed pre‑ and post‑intervention changes in anthropometric data, static balance, static balance on unstable surfaces, dynamic balance, well‑being, and physical activity enjoyment.

The training group showed significant improvements in static balance and static balance on unstable surfaces, corresponding to functional gains of approximately 26% and 33%, respectively. Dynamic balance, well‑being, and enjoyment of physical activity did not change significantly.

The observed improvements in static balance suggest that even limited interventions may yield meaningful physical benefits in older inmates. However, the absence of effects on dynamic balance and psychosocial outcomes may reflect the short intervention duration, small sample size, and ongoing stressors inherent to incarceration. Future studies should extend program length and include follow‑up assessments to evaluate long‑term benefits.

A short, resource‑efficient balance‑training program was associated with improved balance performance in older inmates and may help preserve mobility, autonomy, and quality of life in aging prison populations.

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