Background

No study has investigated the alterations in the flexibility of beginners using an experimental protocol with basic techniques of Capoeira.

Purpose

To analyze the effects of 8 weeks of Capoeira progressive training program on the flexibility of beginners.

Methods

Twenty-one individuals divided in two groups (Capoeira: n = 13; 26.1 ± 7.2 years; 22.7 ± 2.7 kg m^2(?1) and control: n = 08; 27.1 ± 0.5 years; 24.3 ± 3.3 kg m^2(?1)) participated in the study. The Capoeira group performed 8 weeks of Capoeira progressive training program (two sessions per week lasting 60 min each). The experimental protocol used was exclusively based on the basic techniques of a programmed Capoeira training system. Before and after the intervention, measurements were performed aiming to analyze (1) trunk flexion flexibility through a sit-and-reach test using a Wells’ Bench (WB_tf), (2) passive tension (PT_hf), and (3) maximum amplitude of hip flexion (MA_hf) through goniometry.

Results

A two-way ANOVA revealed a main effect of group by time interaction to PT_hf (F = 11.797; P = 0.003; η _p ²  = 0.383) and MA_hf (F = 9.650; P = 0.006; η _p ²  = 0.337). No significant main effect of group by time interaction occurred to WB_tf (F = 3.320; P = 0.084; η _p ²  = 0.149). The relative changes (? %) before and after the intervention in both groups showed that the Capoeira group significantly differed to the control group in the PT_hf (Capoeira: 46.2 ± 29.9 % vs. control: 5.7 ± 27.6 %; P = 0.003) and MA_hf (Capoeira: 22.4 ± 24.5 % vs. control: ?6.1 ± 13.1 %; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Eight weeks of Capoeira progressive training program resulted in a significant improvement in angular flexibility for beginners.