Table 1 Design of the group exercise programme

12 weeks of group-based exercise, once a week

2 day course

Principles:

Warm-up (5–15 min): Starting seated continuing in standing; exercises for ankles, pelvis, shoulders and back. Throwing a ball and playing a game, including saying the names of all participants.

Endurance (15–25 min): Walking (toe/heel walking, backwards) and change of speed. Exercise for large muscle groups in standing.

Muscle strength (15–25 min): Squat, toe rise, lunge.

Balance (15–25 min): One leg stand, stepping, dual task walking

Cooling down: Parachute, stretching.

Themes:

Ordinary training as volunteers:

1. Information about being a volunteer.

2. The role as volunteers in this project.

3. Dementia and consequences of the disease.

4. Communication and working together.

5. Meeting a volunteer (experiences from being a volunteer).

Specific topics in this project:

6. Presentation of the exercise programme by the Physiotherapists.