The use of physical activity and music in the transfer of knowledge on nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of obesity

Background: The rising prevalence in obesity amongst South African children is of concern. Increased knowledge on healthy lifestyle practices may lead to behaviour modifi cation which could contribute to healthier children and adults. Music as an educational tool can play an important role in transferring the knowledge of the benefi ts of a healthy lifestyle to prevent and treat obesity. In this study the researchers aim to integrate the benefi ciary effects of music into a holistic learning approach for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years to increase their nutritional knowledge, promote physical activity as well as to establish healthy lifestyle practices. The information for developing the musical play was obtained over a period of 5 weeks through several sessions in the form of miniworkshops. Twenty fi ve voluntary subjects from a primary school were used to contribute ideas. Data were collected by using competition fl yers and a Digital Video Disc (DVDs) recorder. The aim of this paper is to give: 1. An overview on the process followed in the development of the musical play 2. An introduction to the musical play per se This play is in the process to be evaluated and tested. This research is funded by SAS