Table 1.
Participant characteristics
| Characteristics | Subjects randomized to the control condition (n = 172) |
|---|---|
| Age, years | 80.4±7.7 |
| Females, n | 134 (77.9%) |
| Education, years | 12.5±3.5 |
| Total MMSE score a | 27.2±4.6 |
| Reported health status: n reporting overall health as fair or poor | 55 (32.0%) |
| Depression: n self-reporting diagnosis of depression | 58 (33.7%) |
| Arthritis: n self-reporting disease on list of comorbid conditions | 140 (81.9%) |
| Vision impairment: n unable to watch TV due to poor vision | 28 (16.3%) |
| Use of assistive device: n reporting use >50% of time indoors | 60 (34.9%) |
| Exercise: n reporting engaging in physical activity ≥4 times/week | 27 (20.2%) |
| n reporting engaging in physical activity 1–3 times/week | 51 (38.1%) |
| ADL scale: mean total score on Barthel Index b | 88.7±16.5 |
| IADL scale: mean number out of 7 IADLs that subjects report performing independentlyc | 4.9±2.2 |
| Alcohol use: n reporting consumption of ≥3 drinks/week | 15 (8.7%) |
| Caregiver in the home: n of participants living with someone | 79 (45.9%) |
| Hospitalizations: n of subjects hospitalized ≥1 time in last 4 months | 30 (17.4%) |
| Stroke: n endorsing stroke on list of comorbid conditions | 40 (23.3%) |
| Falls in year prior to study entry: n reporting ≥2 falls | 95 (55.2%) |
| n reporting ≥1 falls | 154 (89.5%) |
| Using psychotropic medication(s): n using ≥1 specified medicationd | 19 (11.1%) |
Values are means ± SD or n with percentages in parentheses as indicated.
Range of scores for MMSE: 0–30 points. Higher score indicates better global cognition.
Subjects rated on level of independence on 10 items from the Barthel ADL scale: feeding, grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, bowel and bladder control, transferring, walking and stairs. Range of scores: 0–100 points. Higher score indicates greater independence.
Seven IADLs from the Lawton IADL scale including: housework, preparing meals, transportation, shopping, finances, managing medications, and telephoning. Range of scores: independent on 0–7 IADLs.
Inquired about use of the following psychotropic medications: antidepressants, sedative hypnotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics.