Capoeira: A multi-intensity physical exercise alternative that may promote acute reductions in blood pressure and...

To quantify the intensity and investigate cardiovascular and glycemic responses during different capoeira sessions/classes.

Twelve participants underwent two capoeira sessions in different rhythms (Benguela and São Bento), and Control session, all conducted in a randomized order (50-min each). Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured in the pre-intervention period (15-min) and during a 90-min laboratory recover. During the session HR and HRV were continuously recorded. In the extra laboratorial recovery (16-h) BP, HR, HRV and blood glucose ([GLUC]) were measured at 4-h intervals.

The %HR_MAX values indicate that the Benguela session spans between 'very-light' (8-min), 'light' (4-min), and 'moderate' (38-min) zones, while the São Bento session spans 'very-light' (4-min), 'light' (7-min), 'moderate' (25-min), and 'vigorous' (14-min) zones, demonstrating capoeira as a multi-intensity exercise. Two-way ANOVA indicated a time∗session interaction in the systolic BP, with reductions up to 90-min after capoeira sessions (Benguela: -4.9 to -9.5 mmHg vs São Bento: -3.0 to -8.6 mmHg vs Control: 1.2 to 4.2 mmHg; F = 4.52; p < 0.01; ƞp² = 0,31). One-way ANOVA showed reductions in [GLUC] 4-h after Benguela: 96.9 ± 13.7 mg dL^-1vs Control: 111.5 ± 11.4 mg dL^-1; F = 4.80; p < 0.01.

The capoeira sessions/classes conducted at the Benguela and São Bento rhythms are characterized as multi-intensity physical exercise. Furthermore, both Benguela and São Bento capoeira sessions were effective in promoting post-exercise hypotension up to 90-min after recovery. Additionally, the session performed in the Benguela rhythm reduced blood glucose levels up to 4-h after completion.