Table 1.
Baseline Characteristics by Randomization Group
| Characteristics | Interventiona (N = 318) | Controla (N = 314) |
| Mean ± SD | Mean ± SD | |
| Age (y) | 77.6 ± 1.9 | 77.6 ± 1.9 |
| Number of chronic diseases | 3.0 ± 2.0 | 3.0 ± 2.0 |
| Number of prescription medications | 4.0 ± 2.7 | 4.1 ± 2.8 |
| MMSE | 27.1 ± 2.0 | 27.0 ± 2.2 |
| BMI | 28.3 ± 4.5 | 28.4 ±4.5 |
| Years of education | 9.1 ± 4.0 | 9.3 ± 4.4 |
| % | % | |
| Women | 74.5 | 75.2 |
| Ability to walk 2 km without difficulties | 66.2 | 68.1 |
| Ability to walk 0.5 km without difficulties | 86.5 | 84.7 |
| CES-D score ≥16 | 19.4 | 20.0 |
| Physical activityb | ||
| Mainly resting | 0 | 0 |
| Most activities performed sitting down | 0.6 | 1.6 |
| Light physical activity 1–2 h/wk | 23.6 | 23.6 |
| Moderate physical activity 3 h/wk | 51.6 | 48.7 |
| Moderate physical activity ≥4 h/wk | 24.2 | 26.2 |
Notes: MMSE = Mini-Mental State Examination; BMI = body mass index (kg/m2); CES-D = Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale; SD = standard deviation.
a
No statistically significant differences between the groups.
b
Persons who belonged to the two highest categories (6–7) were excluded from the study before randomization.