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 .
Effect of exercise on postural sway in the elderly.
Fifty female subjects , aged 72 - 92 ( mean 82 ) years , were enrolled in a 12-week ( 36 classes ) exercise program aim ed at increasing postural stability . Subjects were residents of sheltered apartments , rest homes or nursing homes , well enough and mobile enough to participate in the classes . The subjects were r and omized into an exercise or a control group . Their postural sway , st and ing at rest on a force platform , was measured with eyes open and eyes closed . The groups were well matched in all respects . The results showed no improvement in the postural sway as a result of the exercise program . We hypothesize that increasing postural sway in the elderly represents a deterioration in , for the most part , the nervous system and may at this extreme of life indicate an irreversible loss of function . For this reason no improvement in postural sway may be possible
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 .