History of Physical Activity in Medicine – Brazil 19th Century
In 1808, with the arrival of the Portuguese Court, health and education became a big concern for the entire local elite. Physical health was considered an integral part of life and schools would include in their curriculum P.E and gymnastics.
Francisco
de Melo Franco, a Brazilian who studied and practiced medicine in Portugal,
before returning to brazil in 1817, played an important role throughout this
period. He advocated the practice of physical exercises since an early age. He
detailed recommendations for each age group, starting with games for toddlers.
During puberty, kids should learn how to swim in rivers and oceans. Fencing was
considered very important for muscular development of arms and legs. Melo
Franco postulated that these exercises, by activating circulation, stimulated
secretions and excretions thus improving the balance between several functions
in different organs.
posted by Nilton Arnt @ 6:40 AM
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