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

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, <i>n</i> = 22) or a lower-fitness group (LFG, <i>n</i> = 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: <i>p</i> = 0.031; LFG: <i>p</i> = 0.002), chair stand (LFG: <i>p</i> < 0.001), and 2 min step test (LFG: <i>p</i> = 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%, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and step test (13.7% ± 14.5% vs. 5.3% ± 14.7%, <i>p</i> = 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.