Improving children's executive functions: evidence from capoeira.

This article evaluates the impact of a preschool capoeira programme—a Brazilian martial art combining physical activity and social interaction—on the development of executive functions (EFs) in children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Petrolina, Brazil. Using a randomized controlled trial involving 113 schools and 1,810 children, the study finds that capoeira classes delivered over one semester significantly improved inhibitory control and selective attention by about 0.13 standard deviations, with suggestive positive effects on short-term memory related to verbal instruction. No significant impacts were observed on cognitive flexibility, vocabulary, or non-verbal intelligence. Subgroup analyses indicate larger benefits for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, including those receiving the Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer, and children of mothers with lower schooling levels. The findings suggest that structured mindful physical activities like capoeira can modestly enhance certain executive functions in preschoolers, though careful implementation is advised due to potential trade-offs and resource considerations.