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 .
Effects of Heavy-Resistance Strength and Balance Training on Unilateral and Bilateral Leg Strength Performance in Old Adults
The term “ bilateral deficit ” ( BLD ) has been used to describe a reduction in performance during bilateral contractions when compared to the sum of identical unilateral contractions . In old age , maximal isometric force production ( MIF ) decreases and BLD increases indicating the need for training interventions to mitigate this impact in seniors . In a cross-sectional approach , we examined age-related differences in MIF and BLD in young ( age : 20–30 years ) and old adults ( age : > 65 years ) . In addition , a r and omized-controlled trial was conducted to investigate training-specific effects of resistance vs. balance training on MIF and BLD of the leg extensors in old adults . Subjects were r and omly assigned to resistance training ( n = 19 ) , balance training ( n = 14 ) , or a control group ( n = 20 ) . Bilateral heavy-resistance training for the lower extremities was performed for 13 weeks ( 3 × / week ) at 80 % of the one repetition maximum . Balance training was conducted using predominately unilateral exercises on wobble boards , soft mats , and uneven surfaces for the same duration . Pre- and post-tests included uni- and bilateral measurements of maximal isometric leg extension force . At baseline , young subjects outperformed older adults in uni- and bilateral MIF ( all p < .001 ; d = 2.61–3.37 ) and in measures of BLD ( p < .001 ; d = 2.04 ) . We also found significant increases in uni- and bilateral MIF after resistance training ( all p < .001 , d = 1.8 - 5.7 ) and balance training ( all p < .05 , d = 1.3 - 3.2 ) . In addition , BLD decreased following resistance ( p < .001 , d = 3.4 ) and balance training ( p < .001 , d = 2.6 ) . It can be concluded that both training regimens result ed in increased MIF and decreased BLD of the leg extensors ( HRT-group more than BAL-group ) , almost reaching the levels of young adults
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 .