Bodies in Motion – Brains in Motion: Better learning in an enriched physical environment

The actual society is characterized by sedentary instead of “moving” individuals. Physical inactivity is not just a possible factor related with (associated) chronic disease, but should be considered the actual cause of the majority of human illness. Long term non-permissive behavior can lead to chronic disease because of reduction of physical activity, converting non-permissive behavior in a non-permissive brain disorder. Physical inactivity is related to almost all type of chronic disease including heart insufficiency, diabetes type II, metabolic syndrome, obesity, gall stones depression, early aging, neurodegeneration and even early death.

Environmental enrichment concerns how the complexity of body, mind and soul is affected by the stimulation of its information processing provided by its surroundings (sensory stimulation) including the opportunity to interact socially. The intention of a human based educational concept is to promote holistic learning, to shape and organize school life as well as to support school development. The concept is implemented in the three key spheres of activity instructional quality, school control and organization as well as school as a learning and living space. In particular the latter is of prime importance to everyday school life. It is basically about rhythmizing everyday school life by incorporating movement to promote the health, well-being and learning for students. This is all the more important, considering how much time students spend in all-day schools. More movement is to enhance the quality of the time spent in school, improve health, wellbeing and learning, and reduce the number of accidents, vandalism and aggressive behavior. Schools are no longer just educational establishments where teachers lecture and awestruck pupils are sitting still and listen in silence, but they are increasingly turning into institutions that “move people“ and that adhere to the principles of holistic learning and living.

Dr. Breithecker, born in 1953, is a Health and Kinetics Scientist. He is Head of the Federal Institute on the Development of Posture and Movement in Germany. Since 1993 he has been member of the board of the German Society for Health-promoting schools. Within this society he led the team "Active School." Dr. Breithecker is an empirical partner of the European Union funded project: “Task Furniture in Education (TFE).” He has published several leading articles and booklets, video productions and lectures, most recently on the subject of 'Ergonomics for Children.‘ His emphasis in research comprises following issues:

-Health problems in fact of lacking Movement Experiences

-Physical Education/ Postural Advancement for children teenagers and adults

-Physical Education at school - Active School

-Relative and behavioural preventive measures at workplaces School and Office