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 .
A comparison of community-based resistance exercise and flexibility exercise for seniors.
Progressive resistance training has positive effects on the health of elderly people , however exercise programs for seniors frequently focus on other forms of exercise . This study is a r and omised trial with a blinded assessor comparing a  community based progressive resistance training program ( n = 20 ) with a flexibility program ( n = 20 ) , both one hour twice weekly for 10 weeks . Outcomes were strength , gait , balance and quality of life .  Progressive resistance training had a greater effect than flexibility training on right sided quadriceps strength ( mean difference between groups = 7.7 % ; 95 % CI 3.6 - 11.8 % , p < 0.003 MANOVA ) , left sided quadriceps strength ( mean difference = 9.9 % ; 95 % CI 5.6 - 14.2 % , p < 0.003 MANOVA ) , left sided biceps strength ( mean difference = 15.2 % ; 95 % CI 11.7 - 19.2 % , p < 0.003 MANOVA ) , functional reach ( mean difference = 11.7 % ; 95 % CI 7.1 - 16.3 % , p < 0.003 MANOVA ) and step test ( mean difference = 8.6 % ; 95 % CI 3.8 - 13.4 % , p < 0.003 MANOVA ) . Neither group had improvements in SF36 quality of life measures . Results suggest progressive resistance training produces greater strength , gait and balance improvements  in elderly people than a flexibility exercise program
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 .