REBIRTH active school

An exercise programme to promote children’s health

Children and young people don’t get enough daily exercise – and the situation is getting worse year by year. Often, families and schools are insufficiently aware of the negative impact of this on children’s physical and mental development. Whereas 50% of pre-schoolers have enough physical activity, this proportion declines dramatically – to a mere 10% – into adolescence. There is an urgent need for action here. It’s especially important to identify children whose health is seriously at risk, and motivate them to exercise.

Telomeres (the end-sequences of chromosomes) are an indicator of the cells’ regenerative potential. There is a close link between telomere length and healthy lifestyle: active sports enthusiasts have longer telomeres. Conversely, the length of telomeres may be reduced by negative factors. In a French study involving almost 800 children, those who are overweight and inactive already have markedly shorter telomeres. Our own data show that sporting activity tailored to one’s individual performance has a positive influence on telomere length.

Exercise programme

• 60 minutes of targeted physical activity (in line with the WHO recommendation)
• Individually tailored
• Incorporated into, and designed to complement, lessons
• Supervised by sports scientists and physicians at Hannover Medical School (MHH)

Aims

• Achievement of age-appropriate physical development
• VImproving health
• Reducing risk factors
• Improving academic performance
• Enhancing quality of life
• Integrating exercise into everyday school life to make it a lasting habit

Examinations

Physical examination:

• Anthropometry
• Dental/gum status

Medical history and questionnaire:

• Psychosocial health
• Health-related behaviour
• Dental health
• Susceptibility to allergies
• Cardiovascular family history
• Medication
• Saliva/urine/blood