Capoeira training promotes an important effect on the functional capacity of older women

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of capoeira training on the functional capacity (FC) of older women.

The sample consisted of 23 older women divided in two groups, namely Capoeira (n = 13; 69.3 ± 6.4 years) and Control (n = 10; 67.3 ± 6.6 years). The Capoeira group participated in a 12-week, moderate-intensity training program consisting of two weekly sessions of 60 min each. The FC of both groups was evaluated at pre-intervention and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention through a test battery developed specifically for older people by the Latin American Group for Maturity. The data were subjected to repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test (p < 0.05).

A Time × Group interaction effect was observed on FC (general functionality index, GFI) (F_1.490,31.297 = 59.731, η_p² = 0.740, P < 0.001). The capoeira training program significantly improved the GFI score of older women at 4 weeks (Capoeira = 26.5 ± 4.5 vs. Control = 34.6 ± 5.0; P < 0.001), 8 weeks (Capoeira = 23.2 ± 3.9 vs. Control = 34.2 ± 5.0; P < 0.001), and 12 weeks (Capoeira = 22.7 ± 3.9 vs. Control = 34.9 ± 4.7; P < 0.001). The effect size (ES) was very large at 4 weeks (ES = 3.61) and 8 weeks (ES = 3.83) and almost perfect at 12 weeks (ES = 5.08).

The FC of older women increased over 12 weeks of capoeira training.