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 .
Resistance versus endurance training in patients with COPD and peripheral muscle weakness
The effects of endurance training on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life ( HRQL ) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) patients have been studied thoroughly , while resistance training has been rarely evaluated . This study investigated the effects of resistance training in comparison with endurance training in patients with moderate to severe COPD and peripheral muscle weakness ( isometric knee extension peak torque < 75 % predicted ) . Forty-eight patients ( age 64±8 yrs , forced expiratory volume in one second 38±17 % pred ) were r and omly assigned to resistance training ( RT , n=24 ) or endurance training ( ET , n=24 ) . The former consisted of dynamic strengthening exercises . The latter consisted of walking , cycling and arm cranking .  Respiratory and peripheral muscle force , exercise capacity , and HRQL were re-evaluated in all patients who completed the 12-week rehabilitation ( RT n=14 , ET n=16 ) . Statistically significant increases in knee extension peak torque ( RT 20±21 % , ET 42±21 % ) , maximal knee flexion force ( RT 31±39 % , ET 28±37 % ) , elbow flexion force ( RT 24±19 % , ET 33±25 % ) , 6-min walking distance ( 6MWD ) ( RT 79±74 m , ET 95±57 m ) , maximum workload ( RT 15±16 Watt , ET 14±13 Watt ) and HRQL ( RT 16±25 points , ET 16±15 points ) were observed . No significant differences in changes in HRQL and 6MWD were seen between the two treatments . Resistance training and endurance training have similar effects on peripheral muscle force , exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with peripheral muscle weakness
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 .