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 .
Self-paced resistance training and walking exercise in community-dwelling older adults: effects on neuromotor performance.
BACKGROUND Resistance-training intervention studies have demonstrated meaningful health benefits in older adults ; however , most have used exercises performed at specific intensities on expensive equipment , which limit their widespread applicability . We tested whether two self-paced , less expensive exercise protocol s could be effective and safe for modifying neuromotor performance and functional capacity in community-dwelling adults 65 - 95 years of age . METHODS One hundred and thirty-one subjects were r and omized to a  novel resistance training , walking , or control group .  Subjects determined their level of resistance or walking intensity ( self-paced ) on a session-by-session basis . Muscle strength , balance , reaction time , stair climbing speed , and a timed pen pickup task were measured before and after the intervention period . Exercisers met three times per week for 10 months . RESULTS Significant improvements in t and em stance and single-legged stance with eyes open times and stair climbing speed were seen in both exercise groups . In addition , resistance trainers improved their muscle strength and ability to pick up an object from the floor and reduced the number of missteps taken during t and em walking , and walkers reduced t and em walking time . Controls showed no significant improvement in any variable . CONCLUSIONS The two self-paced exercise protocol s were effective at improving neuromotor performance and functional capacity in the study sample and show promise as a safe , effective , cost-efficient , acceptable exercise model for primary and secondary prevention in the general population of community-dwelling older adults
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 .