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 8-week combined training on body composition, isokinetic strength, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in older women
Background and aims Decline in muscle endurance and strength as well as attenuated cardiac function with aging not only leads to overall physical function decline but also has a close relationship with cardiovascular disease occurrence . This study examined the effects of an 8-week combined training program ( i.e. , consisting of both aerobic and resistance training ) on body composition , isokinetic strength , and cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk factors in older women . Methods Nineteen women , aged 65–75 years , were r and omly assigned to either a combined training ( CT , n = 9 ) or an aerobic training ( AT , n = 10 ) group . Body composition and isokinetic strength were assessed before and after the exercise program . Blood sample s were collected to identify CVD risk factors . Results At the end of the training program , body mass , body fat mass , percent body fat , and body mass index decreased significantly and lean mass increased significantly in the CT group compared with those in the AT group ( p < 0.05 ) . Isokinetic strength was also significantly greater in the CT group than in the AT group ( p < 0.05 ) . In addition , the C-reactive protein level was significantly lower in the CT group than in the AT group , whereas interleukin-6 , tumor necrosis factor-α , and total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in both groups ( p < 0.05 ) . Conclusions An 8-week combined exercise program  benefits body composition , especially lean mass , and positively affects isokinetic strength and CVD risk factors . Therefore , increasing lean mass and strength by continuously participating in a combined exercise program may be an effective treatment for preventing and improving CVD in older women
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 .