ObLoMoV: Obesity and Low Motility Victims – “physical short shocks” and “theatre short stories” to convert inactive victims into HEPA social actors

The ObLoMoV: Obesity and Low Motility Victims project took inspiration from the Russian writer Gončarov’s lazy and inactive literary character to propose a new pedagogical method aimed at addressing the problem of inactivity among at least 1,000 young European students of 11/13 years old, as an effective strategy to prevent the problem of physical inactivity among adolescents and related health problems. It intervened through a pedagogical work path, based essentially on innovative theatrical techniques and a new professional figure - the HEPA and theatrical trainer - able to decode and transfer a "sport culture" to preteens students with the aim of raising awareness on importance of physical activity for the benefit of health (HEPA). By dramaturgical frames of meaning composed of different episodes, called “Open Scenario”, were proposed physical exercises at high intensity intervals (HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training). Within these paths, theatrical activity merged with moments of high intensity physical activity, to stimulate children to practice sports. High intensity interval physical exercises (HIIT) has been one of the main strategies for driving adolescents out of inactivity.The project was carried out with the collaboration of 7 partners, from 5 countries of the European Union (Italy, Belgium, Finland, Greece and Slovenia): 4 universities, 1 theatre in Europe and 2 non-profit associations involved in grassroots sport and European cooperation. Through the ObLoMoV project it was possible to achieve great results, always taking as reference the address given by the Scientific Committee, which followed and monitored the progress of the whole project carried out in the field by the HEPA and theatrical trainer. In fact, starting from scientific research it was possible to combine physical activity with theatre, creating a new tool - the Open Scenario - in which HIIT exercises were carried out.The use of Open Scenarios facilitated physical exercises for children as it is not a story already outlined. Starting from a dramaturgical track, students in each episode, overcame a challenge that can be represented by a critical situation that must be faced and tackled. Being in an 'open' structure during the course, it could be changed without any restrictions. The Open Scenario has represented a moment of creativity, in which physical activity and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle were experienced through theatrical activity. In addition to this, carrying out a theatrical activity has been functional educating children towards an emotional awareness that led them to express emotions, thoughts and feelings. Through the path, conceived and managed by the P2 Piccolo Teatro of Milan, it was possible, for students, to rediscover their own bodies, which allowed them to approach physical exercises differently. Theatre has become the medium thanks to which it was possible to put into practice high intensity training and to lead the teenagers involved towards awareness of their body. Through workshops managed within schools and grassroots sport clubs it was possible to practice several episodes of the three Open Scenarios proposed (“Harry Potter”, the “Pirates of Caribbean” and “Peter Pan”). Before starting the laboratory phases with the students, a teacher’s training was carried out to illustrate the whole Oblomov methodology.The project envisaged a pedagogical path that, through theatrical and sporting activities put together within the Oblomov methodology, allowed to stimulate teenagers to play more sports and live following a healthier lifestyle. The benefits of the laboratory phase allowed to highlight how these training methods can be effectively applied, because, once engaged in non-professional playful physical activities, teenagers embraced the benefits of a "health-enhancing" physical activity.