Serious adverse events were rare , and no serious events were reported to be directly related to the exercise programme .
This review provides evidence that PRT is an effective intervention for improving physical functioning in  older people , including improving strength and the performance of some simple and complex activities .
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in old age is associated with physical function decline .
Progressive resistance strength training ( PRT ) exercises are design ed to increase strength .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of PRT on older people and identify adverse events .
Functional performance and quality of life related to training and detraining of community-dwelling elderly
Purpose . Despite clear evidence of physiological declines during detraining , the effects of detraining on functional performance and quality of life have not often been investigated . The purpose of this study was to investigate functional performance and quality of life measures after a training and detraining programme with community-dwelling elderly . Method . Twenty-three subjects took part in a combined programme of muscle strengthening and aerobic conditioning twice a week and were assessed at baseline , after training , and after one , two , and three months of detraining .  Functional performance was assessed by gait speed and by the rate of ascending and descending stairs , while quality of life was evaluated by the Nottingham Health Profile . Results . Repeated measures ANOVA showed that gains observed in measures of gait speed , ascending , and descending stairs returned to baseline after one , two , and three months of detraining , respectively . However , the gains in quality of life remained unchanged . Conclusions . One-month detraining was enough to show functional decline , with gait speed the most sensitive parameter to detect these changes and QL measure most resilient , beneficial factor during the detraining process . Based on these findings , it is recommended that programmes devised for elderly should not be interrupted , to maintain the acquired benefits
Serious adverse events were rare , and no serious events were reported to be directly related to the exercise programme .
This review provides evidence that PRT is an effective intervention for improving physical functioning in  older people , including improving strength and the performance of some simple and complex activities .
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in old age is associated with physical function decline .
Progressive resistance strength training ( PRT ) exercises are design ed to increase strength .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of PRT on older people and identify adverse events .