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 .
Low intensity strength training for ambulatory stroke patients
Purpose . To investigate feasibility and effectiveness of an individually-directed , group strength-training programme on  knee muscle strength after stroke . Method . Ten volunteers ( 62 ± 11 years , mean ± SD ) , 6 – 12 months after first-ever unilateral stroke , walking independently with or without aids were recruited . Using an A1-B-A2 design , 3 sets of baseline measures were taken at 2 weekly intervals ; volunteers then attended twice weekly sessions of low intensity progressive strengthening exercises and were assessed after each series of 8 sessions to a maximum of 24 sessions ; post training , measures were repeated after 4 – 6 weeks . Measures included isometric and concentric knee extensor muscle strength and 10 m walking velocity . Results . Strength of knee extensor muscles was improved after training ( ANOVA , p < 0.05 ) . On cessation of training , isometric strength increased by 58 ± 19 % and concentric strength at 30 ° /s by 51 ± 14 % ; walking velocity quickened from 0.47 ± 0.06 m · s−1 to 0.57 ± 0.08 m · s−1 ( t = −3.31 , p < 0.01 ) . These gains were maintained 4 – 6 weeks after completion of training . Conclusions . These findings support the use of low intensity strength training after stroke and confirm published evidence . It was feasible for one therapist to deliver the training programmes for 4 – 6 participants at a time ; an important feature when re sources are limited
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 .