This review provides evidence that PRT is an effective intervention for improving physical functioning in older people, including improving strength and the performance of some simple and complex activities. However, some caution is needed with transferring these exercises for use with clinical populations because adverse events are not adequately reported.
The effect of functional tasks exercise and resistance exercise on health-related quality of life and physical activity. A randomised controlled trial.
Data regarding the effect of exercise programmes on older adults' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and habitual physical activity are inconsistent.
                To determine whether a functional tasks exercise programme (enhances functional capacity) and a resistance exercise programme (increases muscle strength) have a different effect on the HRQOL and physical activity of community-dwelling older women.
                Ninety-eight women were randomised to a functional tasks exercise programme (function group), a resistance exercise programme (resistance group), or normal activity group (control group). Participants attended exercise classes three times a week for 12 weeks. The SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire and self-reported physical activity were obtained at baseline, directly after completion of the intervention (3 months), and 6 months later (9 months).
                At 3 months, no difference in mean change in HRQOL and physical activity scores was seen between the groups, except for an increased SF-36 physical functioning score for the resistance group compared with the control group (p = 0.019) and the function group (p = 0.046). Between 3 and 9 months, the self-reported physical functioning score of the function group decreased to below baseline (p = 0.026), and physical activity (p = 0.040) decreased in the resistance group compared with the function group.
                Exercise has a limited effect on the HRQOL and self-reported physical activity of community-living older women. Our results suggest that in these subjects HRQOL measures may be affected by ceiling effects and response shift. Studies should include performance-based measures in addition to self-report HRQOL measures, to obtain a better understanding of the effect of exercise interventions in older adults.
                Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.