Introduction: The aim of this study was to establish the value of physical training as a treatment of reduced physical ability in frail, elderly patients living at home.

Material and methods: 46 community-dwelling frail elderly patients (> 74 years) participated in a randomised, controlled intervention study. The intervention group was transported to training, whilst the control group was not activated. All had their physical functional ability determined using SF 36, Berg's Balance Scale, 10 m walking test and muscle strength test.

Results: The intervention group had a significant improvement in functional ability measured by means of Berg's Balance Scale, walking test, muscle strength test and SF-36 (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. The average cost per patient was estimated at 121 DKK per training session, equivalent to 1452 DKK for a 12-week training period.

Discussion: The establishing of a "multi-component-training" as a treatment offer, to which general practitioners could refer their patients, would involve some costs, but savings due to reduced nursing care can be expected.