Behavioral health challenges are more prevalent in incarcerated youth than in the general youth population. Questions remain regarding whether physical activity programs can reduce behavioral health challenges in incarcerated youth. Data were available for 1,285 youths incarcerated between January 2017 and December 2018. The structured exercise program was implemented in January 2018. Primary outcomes were numbers of use of force (UoF) and of program modifications (PMs) indicative of delinquent behavior in pre- and post-exercise implementation periods. Rates per 1,000 person-days for UoF (10.0 in 2017 vs. 7.4 in 2018) and for PMs (36.7 vs. 22.9) were statistically different. For youths incarcerated both years, rates per 1,000 person-days for UoF (12.3 vs. 7.9), and for PMs (43.3 vs. 23.5) were statistically different. There was a reduction in behavior modifications in incarcerated youths after implementing the exercise program, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Keywords: adolescents; exercise; health; juvenile detention; physical activity.