PRT had a large positive effect on strength ( 41 trials , 1955 participants ) , but there was statistical heterogeneity that was not explained by differences in study quality , participant characteristics or the exercise program .
REVIEW ER 'S CONCLUSIONS PRT appears to be an effective intervention to increase strength in older people and has a positive effect on some functional limitations .
However , the effect of this intervention on more substantive outcomes such as measures of disability or HRQOL remains unclear .
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in old age , is associated with physical disability and an increased risk of falls .
Progressive resistance strength ( PRT ) training exercises ( i.e. movements performed against a specific external force that is regularly increased during training ) are design ed to increase strength in older people .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of PRT on measures of physical disability , functional limitation and impairment in older people  , and identify adverse events .
Effect of Resistance Training on Strength, Postural Control, and Gait Velocity among Older Adults
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 14-week resistance training program on the anile strength training intensity , postural control , and gait velocity of older adults . Forty-two older adults ( mean age = 72 ) , 21 in the resistance and control groups , completed the 14-week project . The resistance training group participated in 14 weeks of resistance training three times per week using elastic b and s ( Therab and ) for resistance .  Isokinetic ankle strength , training intensity , postural stability , and gait velocity were measured prior to and following the 14-week intervention . Following the training , the resistance group exhibited improved ankle dorsiflexion , training resistances , and gait velocity , but showed no change in plantar flexion or postural control . The control group also exhibited improvements in dorsiflexion , but these gains were approximately one-half of the gains observed in the resistance training group . Finally , when adjusted for baseline differences , subjects in the resistance training group demonstrated no changes in the dependent measures over the control group
PRT had a large positive effect on strength ( 41 trials , 1955 participants ) , but there was statistical heterogeneity that was not explained by differences in study quality , participant characteristics or the exercise program .
REVIEW ER 'S CONCLUSIONS PRT appears to be an effective intervention to increase strength in older people and has a positive effect on some functional limitations .
However , the effect of this intervention on more substantive outcomes such as measures of disability or HRQOL remains unclear .
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in old age , is associated with physical disability and an increased risk of falls .
Progressive resistance strength ( PRT ) training exercises ( i.e. movements performed against a specific external force that is regularly increased during training ) are design ed to increase strength in older people .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of PRT on measures of physical disability , functional limitation and impairment in older people  , and identify adverse events .