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 .
Exercise and Functional Tasks Among Adults Who Are Functionally Limited
This study compared the efficacy of 16 weeks of either resistance training , aerobic walking , or combined resistance training and aerobic walking on the performance of functional tasks among adults age 65 years and older with limited functional ability . One hundred thirty-one older adult individuals were r and omized into four groups : resistance training , aerobic walking , combined resistance and aerobic walking groups , or a nonexercise control group . Each of the exercise groups documented 70 % compliance with their respective exercise intervention , which included three weekly exercise sessions . At baseline , and 8 and 16 weeks following baseline , all participants completed six assessment s of their functional ability . Analysis of covariance indicated that all three exercise intervention groups significantly improved measures of functional ability , with the resistance group demonstrating the most consistent gains over the six measures . These findings indicate that older adults who are functionally limited can improve their functional ability through a variety of types of exercise
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 .