Court decisions have also dealt with the quality of recreation and the extent to which prison officials may restrict what recreational activities are conducted. Outdoor recreation, social aspects of recreation, and health status of prisoners as it relates to recreation are important matters on which courts have ruled. The author notes that prison officials are often constrained by limited resources in providing facilities and staff necessary for recreational programs and that a coherent and comprehensive policy in the rights of prisoners to have access to recreational activities has yet to emerge. Harmful effects of the absence of recreation are discussed, and legal grounds available to inmates to challenge prison recreation policies are considered. 66 references