Physical activities in prisons – beyond just sport. Focus on Czechia and Hungary

Purpose The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of physical activity in prisons, its link to mental health and the potential for desistance bringing the perspective of two Eastern European countries – Czechia and Hungary. The paper aims to show that sport in prison has to be seriously considered as an activity that has the potential to positively contribute to the physical and mental health of prison inmates. The aim of the paper is to show that sport in prison is a very potential rehabilitative tool. Doing sport in prison presents an opportunity for meaningful leisure and contributes to the development of good leisure habits. Design/methodology/approach The methodology integrates a literature review and legal analysis, complemented by practical experiences, which provide both theoretical and empirical understanding of the research topic; the review covers international research papers regarding sports activities in prisons and also the legal framework of the topic, both the international one and the national (Czech and Hungarian) ones providing the experience with concrete activities from the Czech and Hungarian prisons as well. Findings Sport in prison has to be seriously considered as an activity that has the potential to positively contribute to the physical and mental health of prison inmates. Sport in prison is a very potential rehabilitative tool. Doing sport in prison presents an opportunity for meaningful leisure and contributes to the development of good leisure habits. The possibility for prison inmates to do sports activities corresponds to a comprehensive approach to prison treatment and rehabilitation which works with leisure time as a pro-desistance factor. Research limitations/implications This is not extensive research, rather it is a theoretical mapping with national (Czech and Hungarian) experience. Practical implications Physical activity in prisons should be officially recognised (politically and systematically) as an activity with significant potential to improve both the physical and mental health of inmates, serving as an effective rehabilitative tool. From a systemic perspective, allowing physical activities in prisons reflects the trend towards normalising prison life, addressing issues related to prisonisation. Engaging in physical activity can bridge the gap between prison and post-release life, helping individuals maintain and cultivate pro-social habits developed during incarceration. For that reason, it should be considered as relevant part of prison throughcare and aftercare. Social implications Improvement of physical and mental health of prison inmates, as well as their socialisation. Increasing the rehabilitation potential of the prison system. Contribution to desistance from crime through leisure-time physical activity as a pro-desistance factor. Originality/value It is a theoretical analysis of the research topic focused on two Eastern European countries, Czechia and Hungary, including examples of national practices, which is interesting for international readers.