Capoeira Brings New Life to Parkinson's Patients

Rio de Janeiro, Jul 16 (AP) — Nilma Teles de Freitas, an 80-year-old retired teacher from Brazil, faced frequent falls after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over a decade ago. Her life took a positive turn when she started attending a specially designed capoeira class in downtown Rio de Janeiro for people with the neurodegenerative condition.

Capoeira, a movement practice originating from Brazil's large enslaved communities, saw nearly five million kidnapped Africans arrive in Brazil during the transatlantic slave trade that began in the 16th century. This practice is both a martial art and a dance, intertwining ritual, exercise, spirituality, and music.

“Capoeira gives me the freedom to work on my body. What I can do. What I can't do. So I can have balance and a more comfortable life,” said Teles de Freitas during a recent class.

Having been practiced for centuries by Afro-Brazilians, capoeira gained global popularity and in 2014, UNESCO recognized it as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The project, which began in 2018, was initiated by Rosimeire Peixoto, a 60-year-old physical therapist who had attended capoeira classes for over a decade.

Working with numerous Parkinson's patients, Peixoto became convinced that capoeira might help in alleviating symptoms associated with the condition. Common symptoms include imbalance, slowness of movement, tremors, and a stooped posture. Additionally, patients may face anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and nausea.

“I had the idea after reading an article saying that alternating both hands when using a cell phone stimulates both brain hemispheres," Peixoto shared. “As a physiotherapist treating neurological patients, I was lacking exercises that would motivate them.”

Dubbed "Parkinson na Ginga"—or “Parkinson’s in the swing”—the project ties back to the initial fluid, rhythmic step taught in capoeira. Presently, Peixoto holds classes twice weekly at the Progress Foundry, a vast cultural center in downtown Rio, situated next to a famous white 18th-century aqueduct and surrounded by palm trees.

Capoeira helps improve balance, coordination, and strength, with music easing tense bodies, Peixoto notes. “There is a lot happening in a capoeira circle. They feel the vibration, the energy, they pay attention to the music, and to the partner to dodge blows” and to themselves, she remarked.

In a recent class, Peixoto moved among the students, gently placing a hand on their backs to assist with balance, patiently demonstrating, and offering encouraging words.

Antônio de Azevedo, diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago, recounted how he could hardly stand before; since taking up capoeira, his stability has returned. “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he commented while practicing capoeira with about ten other Parkinson’s patients.

Peixoto strives to make classes enjoyable and social, often suggesting group samba dances at the end and regularly bringing cake for everyone to share.

Teles de Freitas cherishes the camaraderie among classmates. “We are there for one another,” she said. “Feeling and conversing with friends gives strength.” She recalls leaving the doctor’s office in tears upon her diagnosis, fearful for the future. Today, I’m smiling. I’m managing to live. I’m managing to interact with other people. I’m managing to be happy.”

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