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 .
Effect of aerobic training and aerobic and resistance training on the inflammatory status of hypertensive older adults
There is a relationship between high levels of inflammatory markers and low adhesion to the practice of physical activity in the older population . The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of two types of exercise programs , i.e. , aerobic training and aerobic plus resistance training on the plasma levels of interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α ) of elderly hypertensive subjects . Hypertensive older volunteers in use of antihypertensive drugs were r and omized to three groups : aerobic group ( AG ) , resistance and aerobic group ( RAG ) and control group ( CG ) . Training lasted 10 weeks , with sessions held three times a week . Blood sample s were collected before training and 24 h after completion of the 30 sessions for the determination of serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels . Body mass index was obtained before and after 10 weeks . After intervention , BMI values were lower in AG and RAG compared to CG ( p < 0.001 ) , IL-6 was reduced in AG compared to CG ( p = 0.04 ) , and TNF-α levels were lower only in RAG compared to CG ( p = 0.01 ) . Concluding , both types of training were effective in reducing BMI values in hypertensive older subjects . Aerobic exercise produced the reduction of plasma IL-6 levels . However , the combination of aerobic and resistance exercise , which would be more indicated for the prevention of loss of functionality with aging , showed lower TNF-α mediator after training than control group and a greater fall of TNF-α levels associated to higher BMI reduction
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 .