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 .
Osteoarthritis of the knee: isokinetic quadriceps exercise versus an educational intervention.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of isokinetic exercise versus a program of patient education on pain and function in older persons with knee osteoarthritis . DESIGN A r and omized , comparative clinical trial , with interventions lasting 8 weeks and evaluations of 12 weeks . SETTING An outpatient Veterans Affairs Medical Center clinic and an affiliated university hospital . PATIENTS One hundred thirteen men and women between 50 and 80 years old with diagnosed osteoarthritis of the knee ; 98 completed the entire assigned treatment . INTERVENTION Patients received either a regimen of isokinetic exercise of the quadriceps muscle three times weekly over 8 weeks or a series of 4 discussion s and lectures led by health care professionals . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Variables studied for change were isokinetic and isometric quadriceps strength , pain and function determined by categorical and visual analog scales , and overall status using physician and patient global evaluations by the Arthritis Impact Scale , version 2 , Western Ontario McMaster 's Arthritis Index , and Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 . RESULTS Both treatment groups showed significant strength gains ( p < .05 ) , which occurred over a wider velocity spectrum for the exercise group . Exercised patients also had improved pain scores for more of the variables measured than those receiving education . Both groups had positive functional outcomes and slightly improved measures of overall status . CONCLUSIONS Isokinetic exercise is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for knee osteoarthritis , but a much less costly education program also showed some benefits
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 .