Supervised multicomponent exercise may improve function and reduce falls in frail older adults

However, evidence specific to Vivifrail-based interventions for frail and prefrail older adults in Brazil remains limited. This study protocol describes a prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolling 70 older adults (60+ years) from a community center in Rio Verde, Brazil. Participants will be randomly assigned 1:1 to either a 12-week supervised multicomponent exercise program based on the Vivifrail model, or to health education workshops on healthy aging as the control. The primary outcomes are functional capacity—measured by the 6-Minute Walk Test—and fall risk and mobility, measured by the Timed Up and Go Test. Baseline assessments will also capture frailty status (Edmonton Frailty Scale), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), physical activity level, calf circumference, fear of falling, and demographic data. At submission, recruitment had not yet begun and no outcome data had been collected; final results are expected in late 2027. If the intervention proves effective, it may offer a feasible, low-cost, community-based approach to improving functional capacity and reducing fall risk in vulnerable older populations.

The Vivifrail model is a structured, evidence-informed approach that combines balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility training, adapted to match each participant's initial functional level—a key feature because frail older adults often struggle with standard exercise programs. The study's choice of outcomes is deliberate: the 6-Minute Walk Test reflects real-world walking endurance (relevant to daily mobility), while the Timed Up and Go Test specifically measures fall risk and the ability to move between sitting and standing—a common point of vulnerability. Baseline characterization will capture not only frailty stage but also depressive symptoms and fear of falling, recognizing that psychological factors often prevent older adults from engaging in exercise even when physically able. The control group receives health education rather than no intervention, a rigorous design choice that controls for social contact and attention. The 12-week duration mirrors prior effective multicomponent trials, though longer-term adherence and sustainability remain open questions. This trial is particularly valuable because community-based frailty interventions in middle-income settings like Brazil are underrepresented in the literature.