In frail older persons , moderate-to-large beneficial exercise effects were noted on inflammation , muscle strength and physical functioning .
In healthy older persons , effects of resistance training ( most frequently investigated ) on inflammation or muscle strength can be influenced by the exercise modalities ( intensity and rest interval between sets ) .
Muscle strength seemed the most frequently used outcome measure , with moderate-to-large effects obtained regardless the exercise intervention studied .
Similar effects were found in patients with specific diseases .
Summary Exercise has moderate-to-large effects on muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .
Purpose of review This systematic review reports the most recent literature regarding the effects of physical exercise on  muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .
Effects of a whole body vibration (WBV) exercise intervention for institutionalized older people: a randomized, multicentre, parallel, clinical trial.
OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of an exercise program on a whole-body vibration platform ( WBV ) in improving body balance and muscle performance and preventing falls in institutionalized elderly people . DESIGN / SETTING / PARTICIPANTS A multicentre r and omized parallel assessor-blinded clinical trial was conducted in elderly persons living in nursing homes . INTERVENTIONS Participants were r and omized to an exercise program performed either on a whole body vibratory platform ( WBV plus exercise group ) or on a stationary surface ( exercise group ) . The exercise program for both groups consisted of static and dynamic exercises ( balance and strength training over a 6-week training period of 3 sessions per week ) . The frequency applied on the vibratory platform was 30 to 35 Hz and amplitude was 2 to 4 mm . MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measurement was static/dynamic body balance . Secondary outcomes were muscle strength and number of falls . Efficacy was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis and per protocol . The effects of the intervention were evaluated using the t test , Mann-Whitney test , or chi-square test , depending on the type of outcome . Follow-up measurements were collected 6 weeks and 6 months after r and omization . RESULTS A total of 159 participants from 10 centers were included : 81 in the  WBV plus exercise group and 78 in the control group . Mean age was 82 years , and 67.29 % were women . The Tinetti test score showed a significant overall improvement in both groups ( P < .001 ) . No significant differences were found between groups at week 6 ( P = .890 ) or month 6 ( P = .718 ) . The Timed Up and Go test did not improve ( P = .599 ) in either group over time , and no significant differences were found between groups at week 6 ( P = .757 ) or month 6 ( P = .959 ) . Muscle performance results from the 5 Sit-To-St and tests improved significantly across time ( P = .001 ) , but no statistically significant differences were found between groups at week 6 ( P = .709 ) or month 6 ( P = .841 ) . A total of 57 falls ( 35.8 % ) were recorded during the follow-up period , with no differences between groups ( P = .406 ) . CONCLUSION Exercise program on a vibratory platform provides benefits similar to those with exercise program on a stationary surface in relation to body balance , gait , functional mobility , and muscle strength in institutionalized elderly people . Longer studies in larger sample s are needed to assess falls
In frail older persons , moderate-to-large beneficial exercise effects were noted on inflammation , muscle strength and physical functioning .
In healthy older persons , effects of resistance training ( most frequently investigated ) on inflammation or muscle strength can be influenced by the exercise modalities ( intensity and rest interval between sets ) .
Muscle strength seemed the most frequently used outcome measure , with moderate-to-large effects obtained regardless the exercise intervention studied .
Similar effects were found in patients with specific diseases .
Summary Exercise has moderate-to-large effects on muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .
Purpose of review This systematic review reports the most recent literature regarding the effects of physical exercise on  muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .