Table 4 Setting and study characteristics feasibility

Brown 2006 [30]

Intervention (n=7)

Exercise sessions twice a day, 7 days a week. After discharge 20-30 min walk each day and resistance exercise every other day

n=605 admitted, n=76 included

Mean age 70.2 years, 0% female

n=66 declined participation

Control (n=2)

Usual care which included physical therapy if a consult was initiated by the physician

Mean age 70.2 years, 0% female

Mallery 2003 [31]

Intervention (n=19)

Usual care plus resistance exercise 3 times per week, 30-40 min, assisted by a physiotherapist

n=395 admitted, n=39 included

Mean age 82.7 years

Participation 71%,

74% female, GU, UH

Adherence 63%

No adverse events

Control (n=20)

Usual care plus passive range of motion training 3 times per week, 30-40 min, assisted by a physiotherapist

Participation 96%,

Mean age 81.4 years

Adherence 95%

45% female, GU, UH

No adverse events

Nolan 2008 [32]

Intervention (n=196)

Participated in the Functional Maintenance Exercise Program, 6 times per week, 30 min

n=1021 admitted, n= 220 included

Mean age 83.6 years,

33 withdrawn

68% female, GU, UH

Control (n=24)

Usual care with usual physiotherapy

Mean age 85.4 years

67% female, GU, UH

Laver 2012 [14]

Intervention (n=22)

Individual interactive video game program (Wii Fit) 25 min/day, 5 days/week supervised by a physiotherapist

n=235 admitted, n=44 included

Mean age 85.2 years

90% adherence rate

86% female GU, ACH

No adverse events

Control (n=22)

Conventional physiotherapy, matching the patients abilities and treatment needs 25 min/day, 5 days/week

91% adherence rate

Mean age 84.6 years

1 adverse event, conscious collapse

73% female GU, ACH