The Effect of a Dance-Like Martial Arts Training on Prisoners' Concentration Ability

Journal of Prison Education Research. Jonas Liesvei 91, N5009 Bergen, Norway. e-mail: jper.connect@gmail.com; Web site: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/joper/

Y

17

Attention; Institutionalized Persons; Correctional Institutions; Program Effectiveness; Physical Activities; Dance; College Students; Foreign Countries; Correctional Rehabilitation; Males; Young Adults

2831-9931

A cognitive prerequisite for education and (re)entry into the labor market is the ability to concentrate for a long period. Conducted with 39 participants, the present study examines the effect of a six-week dance-like martial arts program on prisoners' concentration ability in an open prison in Germany (n=15), and compares their concentration ability with a control group of prisoners (n=5), as well as a treatment (n=11) and control group (n=8) of university students. Concentration ability is assessed using the d2-R concentration and attention test before, after, and six weeks following the program. The program's participants showed significant improvements compared to the prisoners' control group, with levels eventually matching those of university students. The findings suggest that practicing voluntary sports with qualified coaches in an environment protected from observers enhance concentration ability and should, therefore, be implemented as an integral part of rehabilitation processes in prisons.

As Provided

2025

EJ1470598