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 .
Effects of one year of resistance training on the relation between muscular strength and bone density in elderly women
Objectives —There is a paucity of long term studies on exercise training in elderly women . The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of one year of progressive resistance exercise ( PRE ) on dynamic muscular strength and the relations to bone mineral density ( BMD ) in elderly women . Methods —Forty four healthy sedentary women ( mean age 68.8 years ) volunteered for this study and were r and omly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group . The exercise group were involved in three one hour sessions a week for 52 weeks of supervised PRE to strengthen the large muscle groups of the body , while the control group were instructed to continue their normal lifestyle . The exercise circuit included three sets of eight repetitions at 75 % of one repetition maximum focused on the large muscle groups .  BMD was measured by dual energy x ray absoptiometry ( Lunar DPX ) at the lumbar spine and at three sites in the proximal femur . Other selected parameters of physical fitness were also measured . Results —Statistical analyses ( analysis of covariance ) showed significant strength gains ( p<0.01 ) in bilateral bench press ( > 29 % ) , bilateral leg press ( > 19 % ) , and unilateral biceps curl ( > 20 % ) . No significant difference between groups was evident in body weight , grip strength , flexibility , waist to hip ratio , or the sum of eight skinfolds . Significant relations ( p<0.05 ) were recorded between dynamic leg strength and the BMD of the femoral neck , Ward 's triangle , and the lumbar spine . Conclusions —Significant strength changes , after one year of PRE , were evident in elderly women , and the muscle increases may parallel changes in BMD ; however , correlation coefficients were moderate
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 .