PRT results in improvements to muscle strength and some aspects of functional limitation , such as gait speed , in older adults .
However , based on current data , the effect of PRT on physical disability remains unclear .
Further , due to the poor reporting of adverse events in trials , it is difficult to evaluate the risks associated with PRT
BACKGROUND The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the effectiveness of progressive resistance strength training ( PRT ) to reduce  physical disability in older people .
Exercise to improve gait velocity in older persons.
The effect of 12 weeks of resistance and balance training on strength and gait measures in older persons was tested in a r and omized control trial . Thirty-one residents of two life-care communities volunteered ( mean age , 82.1 years ) . The exercise group ( E ) trained three times per week , performing resistance training to fatigue for knee extension , hip abduction , ankle dorsiflexion , hip extension , and knee flexion , and postural control exercises . The control group ( C ) met weekly for flexibility exercises performed sitting in a chair . The exercise group achieved significant improvements in muscle strength and gait velocity ( p < .05 ) . Knee extension one maximum repetition increased 32 % ( 24 % to 40 % , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] ) , from 55 + /- to 72 + /- 4N.m . Isokinetic knee extension torque increased 25 % ( 3 % to 47 % ) from 40 + /- 5 to 50 + /- 5N.m at 120 degrees s-1 . Usual gait velocity increased 8 % ( 3 % to 13 % ) in E from 1.04 + /- .07 to 1.12 + /- .06 m/s . There was a trend of improvement in maximal gait speed 4 % ( 0 to 8 % ) from 1.43 + /- 0.1 to 1.49 + /- 0.1 m/s , p = 0.054 . Gait and strength measures in C were unchanged . A short-term exercise program that trained strength and balance achieved a clinical ly significant improvement in gait velocity
PRT results in improvements to muscle strength and some aspects of functional limitation , such as gait speed , in older adults .
However , based on current data , the effect of PRT on physical disability remains unclear .
Further , due to the poor reporting of adverse events in trials , it is difficult to evaluate the risks associated with PRT
BACKGROUND The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the effectiveness of progressive resistance strength training ( PRT ) to reduce  physical disability in older people .