Comparison of the Effects of Different Exercise Protocols in Frail Elderly Individuals

Frailty is a syndrome characterized by a decline across multiple physiological systems associated with aging. It results in diminished physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors, leading to limitations in activities of daily living. This condition is closely linked to adverse outcomes, including falls, illness, hospitalization, and mortality. The frailty phenotype is generally defined by five criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, low grip strength, slowness, and reduced physical activity. The presence of three or more of these criteria indicates frailty, while one or two criteria signify a pre-frail state. Research indicates that frail geriatric individuals face a significantly higher risk of falling compared to their non-frail peers. Furthermore, a heightened fear of falling is associated with an increased risk of frailty. Consequently, prioritizing frailty management in geriatric care is essential for mitigating fall risks.

Exercise interventions have been shown to produce positive effects on physical function and quality of life in frail older adults. By improving muscle mass and strength, exercise plays a pivotal role in the treatment of frailty. Various exercise programs specifically designed as fall prevention strategies are recommended for this population. Notably, the frailty status of elderly individuals residing in nursing homes requires greater clinical attention compared to those living in the community. Nursing home residents often exhibit lower physical activity levels and a higher need for structured exercise interventions. Investigating and comparing the effectiveness of different exercise programs for this vulnerable group is crucial for selecting the most efficient protocols to reduce fall risks and enhance physical performance.

The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is a well-established, evidence-based fall prevention protocol frequently utilized in geriatric care. It comprises warming up, progressive strengthening and balance exercises, walking sessions, and aerobic components. OEP has the potential to delay or even reverse frailty while improving the overall health status of participants. Current evidence suggests that OEP can reduce frailty, increase grip strength, and improve balance and mobility in frail and pre-frail individuals, although its impact on quality of life remains less certain. Despite its widespread use, there is a need for more robust study designs to confirm its efficacy, particularly regarding its effects on the fear of falling, where existing research is limited.

In addition, multicomponent exercise programs-which integrate strengthening, balance, aerobic, and flexibility training within a single session-are considered a viable and effective alternative for geriatric populations. Such programs are recommended as part of routine clinical practice for frail or sedentary individuals. A prominent example is the Vivifrail project, developed by international experts to provide personalized exercise prescriptions for preventing frailty and falls. In the Vivifrail program, the exercise regimen is tailored to the individual's functional status and fall risk, encompassing strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Studies have demonstrated that Vivifrail can reverse functional decline associated with hospitalization and improve functional capacity in older women with dynapenia as well as in frail individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The program is noted for its ease of implementation, offering a quick assessment to guide exercise prescription.

Currently, there is a paucity of research regarding the impact of the Vivifrail program on fall risk and the fear of falling in frail geriatric individuals. Similarly, further high-quality studies are required to fully establish the benefits of OEP in this population. Furthermore, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding direct comparisons between the Vivifrail and Otago programs. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate and compare the effects of these two distinct exercise protocols on fall risk, fear of falling, and physical performance among frail geriatric individuals residing in nursing homes.