Comparative Analysis of Functional Adaptations to Vivifrail Intervention Between Higher- and Lower-Fitness Healthy Older Adults

Abstract

This study evaluated the differential effects of an advanced Vivifrail D-level exercise intervention on arterial stiffness, functional fitness, and body composition in robust older women with varying baseline fitness levels. A total of 41 participants were assigned to a higher-fitness group (HFG, n = 22) or a lower-fitness group (LFG, n = 19) based on their 30 s chair stand performance. Over 12 weeks, both groups completed five weekly sessions incorporating strength, balance, aerobic, and dual-task elements. Significant within-group improvements were observed in the arm curl test (HFG: p = 0.031; LFG: p = 0.002), chair stand (LFG: p < 0.001), and 2 min step test (LFG: p = 0.002). Between-group analysis showed greater percentage gains in the LFG for the chair stand (33.8% ± 28.2% vs. 7.1% ± 21.6%, p = 0.001) and step test (13.7% ± 14.5% vs. 5.3% ± 14.7%, p = 0.040). No significant changes were found in handgrip strength, gait speed, pulse wave velocity, or muscle mass. These results suggest that the modified Vivifrail protocol enhances lower-limb endurance in lower-fitness individuals, but additional adaptations may be necessary to impact vascular and compositional outcomes.

Keywords: Vivifrail; arterial stiffness; dual-task training; exercise intervention; functional fitness; muscle strength; older women.

Figure 1

Study design flow chart.

Figure 2

Percentage changes in arterial stiffness indices after the 12-week Vivifrail D-level exercise intervention. Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. HFG = higher-fitness group; LFG = lower-fitness group; PWV = pulse wave velocity; ABI = ankle–brachial index. No significant between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05).

Figure 3

Percentage changes in functional fitness measures following the 12-week Vivifrail D-level exercise intervention. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. HFG = higher-fitness group; LFG = lower-fitness group. * indicates a significant difference between HFG and LFG (p < 0.05).

Figure 4

Percentage changes in body composition measures following the 12-week Vivifrail D-level exercise intervention. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. HFG = higher-fitness group; LFG = lower-fitness group. No significant between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05).