J Rehabil Med. 2026 Jun 4;58:jrm45667. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v58.45667.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Frail older adults undergoing cardiac surgery are vulnerable to postoperative complications and functional decline. Vivifrail is a structured, multicomponent exercise programme designed to enhance physical performance. This study evaluated its feasibility in the postoperative period.
METHODS: A non-interventional, prospective, single-centre, study was conducted at Nantes University Hospital between March and December 2024. Patients aged ≥ 75 years, with a baseline Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB) score < 9 were included. SPPB, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and handgrip tests were performed at baseline (D0) and 6 weeks (W6). The primary outcome was to assess feasibility based on recruitment, retention rate, and physical performance at W6.
RESULTS: Among 45 eligible patients, 38 accepted the programme; 29 returned for assessment at W6. Mean programme completion rate was 54%. All functional assessments improved meaningfully over time, but adherence did not significantly modify these trajectories. However, adherent participants showed lower frailty at W6.
CONCLUSION: Home-based rehabilitation using Vivifrail proved to be feasible for frail older adults during postoperative recovery. Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in physical performance during the first 6 weeks of the programme. Future research should confirm this trend and consider Vivifrail for patients who cannot access specialized rehabilitation centres.
PMID:42240546 | DOI:10.2340/jrm.v58.45667