This study aims to critically analyze some functions assigned to the School Physical Education during the Brazilian military dictatorship. Some books, considered relevant in the academic context of Physical Education, stated that the programs of Physical Education at school were under the submission of interests of the dictatorial government. Based on this statement, Physical Education at school would be organized to increase the work capacity, to develop competitive athletes and also to use the sport as a political strategy. However, these historiography versions present limits that could be contested by considering the empirical data. It was verified that teachers had an active engagement with the public policies, regarding Physical Education at school, and they also experienced heterogeneous pedagogical practices, which were not necessarily linked to the interests of the military government. It is concluded that this object of study might be considered from a deeper and more complex perspective.
History of Physical Education; School Physical Education; Brazilian Military Dictatorship