Effects of Capoeira on children's executive functions: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

PurposeA growing body of evidence suggests that the benefits of exercise go far beyond physical health and may include cognitive gains. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that challenges Executive Functions (EFs), and inspires children's commitment in an environment characterized by positive affect, inclusiveness, and camaraderie. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Capoeira on EFs in children. The secondary aims were to look at the effects of Capoeira on academic achievement and motor function and to look at dose-response effects of Capoeira on EF. MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 67 children (aged 8–13 years) were randomly assigned to Capoeira instruction (n = 37) or a wait-list control group (n = 30). Children in the Capoeira group participated in 60-min Capoeira classes three times per week. The Stroop Test, EF subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, an Academic Achievement Test, agility and eye-hand coordination tests were conducted before and after the intervention period. ResultsANCOVA analyses, controlling for sex and age, revealed that children who attended at least 70% of the Capoeira classes improved more in eye-hand coordination than the control group. There was also a positive association between EF improvement and the number of Capoeira classes attended. ConclusionThe results suggest that Capoeira practice benefits eye-hand motor coordination in children and that the improvements in EFs might be dose-dependent. The results highlight the need for further studies to determine the potential advantages of adopting Capoeira as a holistic movement practice for children.