Effect of home-based rehabilitation in frail older adults after cardiac surgery: a prospective feasibility study

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.