In frail older persons , moderate-to-large beneficial exercise effects were noted on inflammation , muscle strength and physical functioning .
In healthy older persons , effects of resistance training ( most frequently investigated ) on inflammation or muscle strength can be influenced by the exercise modalities ( intensity and rest interval between sets ) .
Muscle strength seemed the most frequently used outcome measure , with moderate-to-large effects obtained regardless the exercise intervention studied .
Similar effects were found in patients with specific diseases .
Summary Exercise has moderate-to-large effects on muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .
Purpose of review This systematic review reports the most recent literature regarding the effects of physical exercise on  muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .
Comparative effects of horse exercise versus traditional exercise programs on gait, muscle strength, and body balance in healthy older adults.
This study evaluates the separate effect and retention of 12-week traditional ( TE ) and horse ( HE ) exercise programs on physical function in healthy older participants ( 61 to 87 years old ) . Thirty-eight participants were r and omly assigned to three groups : TE ( n = 17 ) , HE ( n = 10 ) , and control group ( n = 11 ) . TE and HE underwent a supervised exercise program ( 3 day/week ) . Maximal gait speed , muscle strength , and body balance were assessed at weeks 0 , 12 , and 16 . Only TE and HE displayed significant improvements ( P < .05 ) in knee extensor strength , and only HE had faster gait speed . Marginal balance improvements were found only in HE in the medial-lateral direction . However , TE showed larger improvements in h and grip than HE . The largest retention was in knee extensor strength but most of the exercise effects were lost in the follow-up . Besides TE , exercise with a horse may be an alternative option to older adults , provided that they want to interact with the animal
In frail older persons , moderate-to-large beneficial exercise effects were noted on inflammation , muscle strength and physical functioning .
In healthy older persons , effects of resistance training ( most frequently investigated ) on inflammation or muscle strength can be influenced by the exercise modalities ( intensity and rest interval between sets ) .
Muscle strength seemed the most frequently used outcome measure , with moderate-to-large effects obtained regardless the exercise intervention studied .
Similar effects were found in patients with specific diseases .
Summary Exercise has moderate-to-large effects on muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .
Purpose of review This systematic review reports the most recent literature regarding the effects of physical exercise on  muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .