The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of physical function improvement programs and multipart improvement programs (physical function, nutrition, and oral function) on the health, lifestyle, physical function and nutrition of community-dwelling frail elderly individuals.

  Out of 629 subjects included in this study, 327 participated in the single physical function improvement program and 302 participated in the multipart improvement program. Participants of both programs completed 12 weekly sessions over a period of 3 months. They responded to a series of questions addressing health and lifestyle, physical function and diet before and after the programs.

  In either type of program, health and lifestyle scores became higher after completing the program in both males and females. Physical function also improved regardless of the program; “stand on 1 leg with eyes open” times increased in both men and women, and Timed Up and Go scores increased in women. Diet-related scores were better in both men and women after multipart improvement programs, but not after physical function improvement programs.

  Our results show that both program types effectively improve health, lifestyle and physical function. Multipart programs that target physical function, nutrition and oral function also improved participants' diets, thereby possibly contributing to long-term preventive care.