PRT results in improvements to muscle strength and some aspects of functional limitation , such as gait speed , in older adults .
However , based on current data , the effect of PRT on physical disability remains unclear .
Further , due to the poor reporting of adverse events in trials , it is difficult to evaluate the risks associated with PRT
BACKGROUND The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the effectiveness of progressive resistance strength training ( PRT ) to reduce  physical disability in older people .
Effect of exercise on postural sway in the elderly.
Fifty female subjects , aged 72 - 92 ( mean 82 ) years , were enrolled in a 12-week ( 36 classes ) exercise program aim ed at increasing postural stability . Subjects were residents of sheltered apartments , rest homes or nursing homes , well enough and mobile enough to participate in the classes . The subjects were r and omized into an exercise or a control group . Their postural sway , st and ing at rest on a force platform , was measured with eyes open and eyes closed . The groups were well matched in all respects . The results showed no improvement in the postural sway as a result of the exercise program . We hypothesize that increasing postural sway in the elderly represents a deterioration in , for the most part , the nervous system and may at this extreme of life indicate an irreversible loss of function . For this reason no improvement in postural sway may be possible
PRT results in improvements to muscle strength and some aspects of functional limitation , such as gait speed , in older adults .
However , based on current data , the effect of PRT on physical disability remains unclear .
Further , due to the poor reporting of adverse events in trials , it is difficult to evaluate the risks associated with PRT
BACKGROUND The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the effectiveness of progressive resistance strength training ( PRT ) to reduce  physical disability in older people .