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 .
Preventing falls on an elderly care rehabilitation ward
Objective : Comparison of two flooring types – carpet and vinyl – in the bed areas , and two modes of physiotherapy – conventional therapy and additional leg strengthening exercises – in avoiding falls . Design : R and omized 2 × 2 controlled trial . Setting : Elderly care rehabilitation ward in a community hospital . Subjects : Fifty-four consecutive patients referred for rehabilitation . Outcome measures : The incidence of falls , and the change in strength . Results : There were 10 falls on carpet , and only a single fall on vinyl floor covering ( relative risk 8.3 , 95 % confidence interval 0.95–73 , p = 0.05 ) . There were four falls in those receiving  additional exercise  , and seven falls in those receiving only conventional physiotherapy ( relative risk 0.21 , 95 % confidence interval 0.04–1.2 , p = 0.12 ) . Fifty-nine per cent of patients were able to complete strength measurements on admission and discharge . In these , h and grip strength improved more in those given additional exercise than conventional physiotherapy ( 2.1 kg versus – 0.3 kg , p < 0.05 ) . Conclusion : There is no evidence to support either intervention in preventing falls on a rehabilitation ward , but within this low-powered study , there was a strong trend towards vinyl being superior
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 .