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 group exercise program on strength, mobility, and falls among fall-prone elderly men.
OBJECTIVES This r and omized controlled trial studied the effects of a low- to moderate-intensity group exercise program on strength , endurance , mobility , and fall rates in fall-prone elderly men with chronic impairments . METHODS Fifty-nine community-living men ( mean age = 74 years ) with specific fall risk factors ( i.e. , leg weakness , impaired gait or balance , previous falls ) were r and omly assigned to a control group ( n = 28 ) or to a 12-week group exercise program ( n = 31 ) . Exercise sessions ( 90 minutes , three times per week ) focused on increasing strength and endurance and improving mobility and balance . Outcome measures included isokinetic strength and endurance , five physical performance measures , and self-reported physical functioning , health perception , activity level , and falls . RESULTS Exercisers showed significant improvement in measures of endurance and gait . Isokinetic endurance increased 21 % for right knee flexion and 26 % for extension . Exercisers had a 10 % increase ( p < .05 ) in distance walked in six minutes , and improved ( p < .05 ) scores on an observational gait scale . Isokinetic strength improved only for right knee flexion . Exercise achieved no significant effect on hip or ankle strength , balance , self-reported physical functioning , or number of falls . Activity level increased within the exercise group . When fall rates were adjusted for activity level , the exercisers had a lower 3-month fall rate than controls ( 6 falls/1000 hours of activity vs 16.2 falls/1000 hours , p < .05 ) . DISCUSSION These findings suggest that exercise can improve endurance , strength , gait , and function in chronically impaired , fall-prone elderly persons . In addition , increased physical activity was associated with reduced fall rates when adjusted for level of activity
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 .