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 .
A controlled trial of exercise by residents of old people's homes.
Regular exercise is widely advocated for the young and middle-aged , but less is heard about its relevance to elderly people . This study reports the findings of a controlled trial of seated exercise in residents of local authority homes for the elderly . Forty-nine residents aged 64 - 91 years volunteered for the 7-month project , and participated in either twice-weekly exercise or reminiscence sessions . Primary outcome measures were postural sway , flexibility of the spine and knees , h and -grip strength and functional capacity . The average ( range of ) attendance at the exercise sessions was 91 % ( 64 - 100 % ) , and at the reminiscence sessions was 86 % ( 46 - 100 % ) . By the end of the project , the change observed in the exercise group was significantly different from that of the reminiscence group in terms of grip strength ( p < 0.02 ) , spinal flexion ( p < 0.001 ) , chair-to-st and time ( p < 0.001 ) , activities of daily living ( p < 0.05 ) , and self-rating of depression ( p < 0.01 ) . Even very elderly residents of old peoples homes can benefit from participation in regular seated exercise and improve their functional capacity
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 .