The intervention lasted 16 weeks, with the evaluations carried out at baseline, after 8 weeks and at the end.

The multi-component exercise program took place in day centers or collective residences. It was supervised by physiotherapists. The classes took place 3 times a week, at the same hour and on alternate days, for 45-60 minutes, for a total of 48 sessions. The program consisted on a warm-up (5 min) with exercises and walking, a balance and strength training (35-40 min) with exercises repeated 3 times and held for 15 seconds flexibility / relaxation (5 to 10 mins) periods. The strength training is performed with the resistance of the body weight or accessible and low cost equipment, with two series of 10 to 15 repetitions, after maximum resistance was calculated.

The flexibility and cooling training consists of 3 repetitions maintained for 15 seconds.

Exercise program

Timed Up and Go Test is a validated test that consists on a timed 3 meter defined circuit after getting up from a chair and sitting in it. The categories of achievement are three: less than 10 seconds "without compromise", corresponding to normal performance; between 10.01 and 20 seconds it is considered "slight impairment or normal time for frail elderly"; more than 20.01 seconds corresponds to a degree of "functional impairment" that requires a more detailed assessment.

Berg scale is a validated instrument to assess balance and the risk of falling associated with its loss. From 56 to 54 points, each point less is associated with a 3 to 4% increase in the risk of falling, from 54 to 46 a change in one point is associated with a 6 to 8% increase in the risk of falling, and below 36 points the risk of falling is very close to 100%, which allows the results to be divided into 4 balance categories: "Total balance problem" (≤36 points); "Serious balance problem" (37-45 points); "Moderate balance problem" (46-53 points) and "normal balance" (≥54 points).

Mini mental exam scale is a validate instrument to assess the cognitive function and the detection of potential dementia. Individuals are classified into three categories: a score equal to or less than 18 points corresponds to "severe cognitive impairment"; from 19 to 23 points "moderate cognitive impairment" and 24 or more points "normal cognitive state. The literature states that for the diagnosis of dementia, the scale results must be cross-checked with schooling, however when the objective is not to diagnose dementia, but only to characterize and assess changes in cognitive status, the crossing of the scale results with schooling does not justified.