Effects of VIVIFRAIL intervention on multidimensional frailty in older nursing home residents: a randomised-controlled feasibility study

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of frailty among older adults residing in nursing homes is high, indicating the importance of effective interventions to prevent and reduce frailty. One such intervention, VIVIFRAIL, is an exercise program that benefits older adults with frailty. AIM: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility (recruitment, adherence, compliance, attrition, motivation and satisfaction) of the VIVIFRAIL program in an institutional setting. The secondary aim was to examine the efficacy of the VIVIFRAIL intervention in improved frailty status, reduced frailty prevalence and improving health indicators, activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QOL) in older adults. METHODS: This study was a randomised-controlled, assessor-blinded, prospective trial conducted from July to September 2024 among older adults residing in nursing homes. RESULTS: A total of 80 participants were enrolled, and the study had recruitment, adherence and compliance rates of 100%. The attrition rate was 7.5%, and the motivation and satisfaction rates were 86% and 87%, respectively. Significant improvements were observed in frailty status (P = .002), physical performance (P = .001), cognitive function (P = .025), ADLs (P < .001) and QOL (P < .001). Bonferroni post-hoc analysis indicated significant differences across all time points for frailty status (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The VIVIFRAIL exercise program was determined to be feasible for older adults residing in nursing homes and significantly improved frailty status, health indicators, ADLs and QOL. These findings support the incorporation of structured exercise interventions as an essential component of routine care provided by health-care professionals in nursing home settings.