PRT had a large positive effect on strength ( 41 trials , 1955 participants ) , but there was statistical heterogeneity that was not explained by differences in study quality , participant characteristics or the exercise program .
REVIEW ER 'S CONCLUSIONS PRT appears to be an effective intervention to increase strength in older people and has a positive effect on some functional limitations .
However , the effect of this intervention on more substantive outcomes such as measures of disability or HRQOL remains unclear .
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in old age , is associated with physical disability and an increased risk of falls .
Progressive resistance strength ( PRT ) training exercises ( i.e. movements performed against a specific external force that is regularly increased during training ) are design ed to increase strength in older people .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of PRT on measures of physical disability , functional limitation and impairment in older people  , and identify adverse events .
Effects of a quantitative progressive rehabilitation program applied unilaterally to the osteoarthritic knee.
Decreases in muscular strength , endurance , and angular velocity have previously been demonstrated in the elderly . Osteoarthritis ( OA ) , especially of the knee , may cause further reductions in these parameters and lead to functional limitations . This study measured the effects of a quantitative progressive exercise muscle rehabilitation program ( QPE ) that was added to a physical therapy ( PT ) program .  Forty subjects ( 20 men and 20 women ) with OA of the knees were r and omly selected from a group of volunteers ( N = 437 ) for the 3-month program . Measurements of strength , endurance , angular velocity , and the Jette Functional Status Index were determined before and after 1 , 2 , and 3 months of the program . The QPE program was composed of isometric , isotonic , isotonic with resistance , endurance , and speed contractions prescribed in a progressive sequence . Muscle strength ( 14 % and 29 % ) and endurance ( 38 % and 43 % ) increased significantly ( p < 0.05 , ANOVA for repeated measures ) for both the quadriceps and hamstrings , respectively , after rehabilitation . There were marked decreases in walking time and the difficulty and pain experienced during functional activities
PRT had a large positive effect on strength ( 41 trials , 1955 participants ) , but there was statistical heterogeneity that was not explained by differences in study quality , participant characteristics or the exercise program .
REVIEW ER 'S CONCLUSIONS PRT appears to be an effective intervention to increase strength in older people and has a positive effect on some functional limitations .
However , the effect of this intervention on more substantive outcomes such as measures of disability or HRQOL remains unclear .
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in old age , is associated with physical disability and an increased risk of falls .
Progressive resistance strength ( PRT ) training exercises ( i.e. movements performed against a specific external force that is regularly increased during training ) are design ed to increase strength in older people .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of PRT on measures of physical disability , functional limitation and impairment in older people  , and identify adverse events .