The Effect of 12-Week Multicomponent Exercises (VIVIFRAIL) on Balance, Flexibility and Functional Capacity of the Elders with Frailty Syndrome

One of the most common health problems in the elderly population is frailty syndrome. Recent studies indicate that multi- component exercises can significantly improve physical performance of elderly people. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a selected multi- component exercise protocol (VIVIFRAIL) on balance, flexibility and functional capacity of elders with frailty syndrome.

This is an experimental and applied study with a pre- post- tests design that performed on 20 elderly men with frailty syndrome. Participants selected from one of the elderly rehabilitation centers in Isfahan city and were randomly divided into two exercise (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. For the exercise group, 12 sessions of multi- component exercises were prescribed and control group had no physical activity. The Fried's frailty syndrome index, short physical performance battery, manual dynamometer, sit & reach flexibility, and get-up and go tests were used to assessment of subjects. Statistical analysis and comparison of the mean of groups was performed by the analysis of covariance statistic.

The mean age of participations was 71.7 ± 9 years. Following the implementation of multi-component exercises, there were significant improvements in the mean score of frailty factors such as static balance (34.1%), flexibility (34.4%), Gait speed (%-17.2), hand grip strength (23.5%), risk of falling (-25.6%), and functional capacity (24.6%) of exercise intervention group. Also, no significant difference was observed in the weight of subjects.

The results showed that selected multi-component exercises have improved functional capacity, balance, flexibility, gait speed, hand grip strength, and fall risks in frail elderly persons.