From September 13th to September 15th, the Department of Sport and Health Sciences hosts the University Day of the German Society of Sports Science. The keynote speakers give insight into their presentations in short interviews.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Mark Tremblay is the Director of Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research (HALO) in the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and Professor for Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. As of today, Prof. Tremblay has published more than 350 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and delivered more than 140 keynote presentations in 20 countries. He received an honorary doctorate, as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, for his contributions to a healthy active living research in Canada. Furthermore, he acted as torchbearer prior to the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver.
At the University Day of the German Society of Sports Science, Prof. Tremblay will give a lecture about "Innovation, Technology and Childhood Healthy Active Living: Moving Forward by Looking Back" on September 14th (2.30pm, Audimax). He gives a first insight in a brief conversation.
Prof. Tremblay, what topic will your keynote address?
"I will focus on children's physical activity and illustrate the influence of technology, showing the challenges we have to face regarding this combination. Especially when taking into account the fact that children today are moving less and less."
And problems result from this fact.
"Yes, definitely. It is a serious problem because the functioning of the organism requires regular movement. Physical activity is fundamental to children's healthy growth development. Without it, several serious psychosocial and pathophysiological diseases we want to avoid can kick in."
Which role does technology have in this issue?
"Well, we have to be sure that the consequences of the usage of electronic devices, such as the Nintendo Wii, are positive or at least neutral to the traditional way of living and doing sports. If they improve the amount of movement and your rate of skill development, that's great. The problem is - we don't pay attention to any side-effects or consequences, we're just amazed about modern technology and its possibilities.
In our capacity as scientists, we need to think skeptically and ask: how does technology change our movement and activity? I will address this and present opportunities and suggestions for future research in this field."
More about Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Mark Tremblay
More about the University Day of the German Society of Sports Science
Contact:
Johannes Hanke
Uptown Munich, Campus D
Georg-Brauchle Ring 60/62
80992 München
Telephone: 089 289 24765
E-Mail: Johannes.Hanke(at)tum.de
Interview: Fabian Kautz & Conan Furlong
Foto: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Mark Tremblay