ObLoMoV (Obesity and Low Motility Victims): combining physical activity and theatre to tackle inactivity in preteens

Motivating youth to be physically active has become a real priority in educational systems. Earlier research demonstrates that several young people are not ready to involve themselves in activities that require to do physical efforts (i.e. endurance activities) particularly when they are not fit or skilled. It can contribute to an escalating global epidemic of overweight and obesity (“globesity”). High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has shown to be a very effective way to fight against obesity. It should bring more chances to be accepted by inactive and overweight youths than endurance based physical activities. On the other hand, using theatre approaches is considered as an original pedagogical method that could facilitate youth's involvement in physical activities.
Inspired by the Ivan A. Gončarov's novel, Oblomov, an Erasmus+ project called ObLoMoV (Obesity and Low Motility Victims) has been devised. Using “physical short shocks” and “theatre short stories”, it aims to prepare educators to implement an innovative Oblomov model designed to convert inactive preteens into active and healthy ones. A symposium presenting the current development of that project is proposed. It is divided in four parts: (1) Explanation of the Oblomov model with principles of HIIT training and theatre input; (2) Description of the Greek implementation with first results of the teacher education and implementation on the field; (3) Description of the Finnish implementation with the subjects and the contexts where the Oblomov model can be adapted, and finally, (4) Description of the Belgian implementation with the content of the unit and the presentation of the in-service module proposed to the educators recruited for the project.