There was a large heterogeneity in the studies concerning sample size , types of interventions and types of assessment s. There is strong evidence for a positive effect of  physical training  on muscle strength and mobility ; moderate evidence for an effect on range of motion ; and contradictory evidence regarding gait , activities of daily living , balance and endurance .
OBJECTIVE the positive effect of physical training in healthy elderly people is well documented .
The aim of this systematic review was to describe the effect of physical training on physical performance in institutionalised elderly patients with multiple diagnoses .
Effects of balance training in elderly evaluated by clinical tests and dynamic posturography.
All persons aged 70 through 75 years ( N = 457 ) in a Swedish community were invited to participate in a 9 week balance training study . Out of 55 interested subjects , 15 were chosen at r and om for a study group ; 15 matched controls were also selected . Before and after the investigation period the balance function was assessed by clinical balance tests and dynamic posturography . In the clinical balance tests , the training group significantly improved their balance st and ing on one leg with eyes closed as well as st and ing on one leg while shaking the head ; they also walked 15 m back and forth faster . In the dynamic  posturography  the training group significantly improved their equilibrium scores in the 3 most difficult test conditions . The results of the control group were unchanged except for one test condition in the dynamic posturography . The differences in one-leg st and ing with head shaking , walking 2 x 15 m , and the equilibrium score using sway-referenced platform in dynamic posturography were proved to be attributable to the training . The first investigation in all 29 subjects formed normative dynamic posturography data for the age group 70 through 75 years . The normative posturographic data of this age group differed from previously obtained data in the age groups 20 through 59 and 60 through 69 years . It is concluded that elderly may improve their balance by regular balance training exercises for as short a period as 9 weeks . This might prove to be of great value in improving balance and thereby preventing accidental falls and subsequent fractures in elderly
There was a large heterogeneity in the studies concerning sample size , types of interventions and types of assessment s. There is strong evidence for a positive effect of  physical training  on muscle strength and mobility ; moderate evidence for an effect on range of motion ; and contradictory evidence regarding gait , activities of daily living , balance and endurance .
OBJECTIVE the positive effect of physical training in healthy elderly people is well documented .
The aim of this systematic review was to describe the effect of physical training on physical performance in institutionalised elderly patients with multiple diagnoses .