BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with progressive declines in functional capacity, affecting mobility, balance and lower-limb strength, which may compromise independence and increase the risk of falls. Aquatic exercise programs have been proposed as an effective strategy to mitigate these changes. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze changes in functional capacity over time in participants of an aquatic exercise program. METHODS: This longitudinal observational study included adults aged 55 years and older participating in a university-based aquatic exercise program. Functional capacity was assessed across seven semesters using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including balance, gait speed and chair stand tests. Descriptive statistics were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test was used (* = 0.05). RESULTS: Improvements were observed in functional performance across semesters. Gait speed increased from 0.92 m/s to 1.04 m/s, while chair stand performance and SPPB total score also showed progressive improvements. Significant differences were found between semesters for gait speed and SPPB total score (p < 0.05), particularly between initial and later periods. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in an aquatic exercise program was associated with improvements in functional capacity over time, particularly in mobility and lower-limb strength. These findings support the role of aquatic exercise as an effective strategy to promote functional health and independence in adults.
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