Table 2 Characteristics of the older adults taking part in the exercise groups (n = 4)

Age, years

76

70

85

76

Gender

Male

Male

Female

Female

Living status/arrangement

With wife without paid help

With wife with help (practical home care and home nursing care)

Alone without paid help

Alone with help (home nursing care)

Cognitive function (CDR score)

1

1

0.5

1

Cognitive function (MMSE score 0–30)

25

24

24

19

I-ADL function (score 0–66)

45

48

60

58

Physical function (SPPB score 0–12)

11

11

12

11

Gait speed (m/sec) before start

0.91

0.73

1.18

0.89

Gait speed (m/sec) at final session

1.21

1.03

1.14

1.18

Sessions attended

12/12

11/12

7/10

6/8

Relationship to caregiver

Spouse (C1)

Spouse (C2)

Daughter (C3)

Daughter (C4)^a

Matched volunteer

Female student (V1)

Male (V2), Female (V3)^b

Female (V4)

^c