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 .
A randomized controlled trial of a home exercise programme for elderly people with poor mobility.
Eighty-six elderly people with limited mobility and dependence in at least one activity of daily living were recruited to a home exercise study . The subjects ( mean age 82 years ) were allocated at r and om to either a strength exercise group , a mobility exercise group or a health education group . Subjects were visited for 30 minutes every 3 - 4 weeks by a physiotherapist who gave both verbal and written instruction . Sixty-nine of the original 86 completed the 6-month study , with five drop-outs from the strength group , ten drop-outs from the mobility group , and two drop-outs from the health education group . By the end of the study , there were no significant differences between the groups with regard to changes in outcome variables . The results showed a trend towards improvement in both the exercise groups in both Sit to St and and Timed Get Up and Go tests , but this failed to attain statistical significance . Further work is required to identify the optimal exercise intervention for this subgroup of the elderly population
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 .