Aging is associated with changes that lead to a decline in functionality, limiting the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have fewer opportunities to actively engage in these activities, which affects their independence and autonomy. So far, there is limited evidence on the effects of interventions aimed at improving functionality in LTCF residents, as most studies focus on community-dwelling older adults.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Vivifrail program in combating frailty syndrome in institutionalized older adults by analyzing the program's effects on improving balance and muscle function in this population.

The study is a randomized clinical trial conducted over a three-month period with two weekly sessions in long-term care facilities (LTCF). A total of 30 female volunteers over the age of 60 participated, forming two groups: the Vivifrail Group (VG), which underwent multicomponent training, and the Control Group (CG), which received usual care. The training followed the Vivifrail model, adjusted according to the participants' initial functional capacity, categorizing them as "frail," "pre-frail," or "independent." Participants were assessed before starting the intervention and four weeks after its completion.

Thirty older women were included in the study, with a mean age of 86 years. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at the pre-intervention stage. However, post-intervention analysis revealed statistically significant differences in frailty levels, with lower frailty scores in the intervention group. Notably, the intervention group showed an improvement of nearly two points in the SPPB assessment, an increase of approximately 5 kg/f in handgrip strength, and a reduction of nearly 5 seconds in the time required to complete the five-times sit-to-stand test.

In this sample, the Vivifrail program proved effective as a strategy for combating and preventing frailty syndrome, according to Fried's Frailty Phenotype.

The results suggest that the Vivifrail program can be implemented to reduce frailty and the risk of falls. Furthermore, its adoption in LTCFs may promote greater independence and quality of life for this population.