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 .
A CLINICAL TRIAL OF STRENGTHENING AND AEROBIC EXERCISE TO IMPROVE GAIT AND BALANCE IN ELDERLY MALE NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a moderate to high intensity strengthening and aerobic exercise program can improve the strength , exercise capacity , gait and balance of deconditioned male nursing home residents . Ambulatory subjects who scored 30 or less on the modified Tinetti gait and balance assessment scale , who demonstrated less than 80 % of age-matched lower extremity strength on isokinetic muscle testing and who gave informed consent were enrolled . Subjects were r and omized to either an  exercise ( n = 8) or a  control ( n = 6 ) group . All participants underwent an exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake ( Vo2max ) and received quantitative gait and balance measurements . The subjects assigned to the exercise group then completed a 12-wk program of weight training for the lower extremities and stationary cycling . Both the exercise and control groups were then retested . Ten outcome variables were assessed : Tinetti mobility scores , Vo2max , isokinetic-tested lower extremity strength and endurance , stride length , gait velocity , stance time , gait duration , cadence and balance . The exercise group , after completion of the program , demonstrated significant improvements in Tinetti mobility scores ( P < 0.05 ) , combined right and left quadricep muscle strength ( P < 0.01 ) , right and left lower extremity muscular endurance ( P < 0.01 ) , left stride length and gait velocity ( P < 0.05 ) , although other outcome variables changed insignificantly . The control group revealed no changes of significance with the exception of improvement of the combined right and left hamstring muscle strength ( P < 0.05 ) . Nevertheless , for those outcome variables that had improved significantly in the exercise group , the changes amounted to only a 5 to 10 % increase over the baseline measurements . These findings showed that an appropriately design ed high intensity exercise program can result in significant although limited improvements for clinical mobility scores , strength , muscular endurance and certain gait parameters
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 .