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 .
Isokinetic strength training of the hemiparetic knee: effects on function and spasticity.
PURPOSE To determine whether isokinetic training can improve the strength of the hemiparetic knee musculature , functional mobility , and physical activity and to evaluate its effect on spasticity in long-term stroke survivors . DESIGN Nonr and omized self-controlled trial . SUBJECTS A volunteer sample of 15 community-dwelling stroke survivors of at least 6 months . INTERVENTION A 6-week ( 3 days/week , 40 minutes/day ) program consisting of warm-up , stretches , reciprocal knee extension and flexion isokinetic strengthening , and cool-down for the paretic limb . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Peak isokinetic hamstring and quadriceps torque , quadriceps spasticity , gait velocity , timed Up and Go , timed stair climb , and the Human Activity Profile ( HAP ) scores were recorded at baseline , after training , and 4 weeks after training cessation ( follow-up ) . RESULTS Paretic muscle strength improved after training ( p < .05 ) while tone remained consistent ( p > .87 ) . Gait velocity increased after training ( p < .05 ) and at follow-up ( p < .05 ) . Changes in stair climbing and timed Up and Go were not significant ( p > .37 ; p > .91 ) , although subjects perceived gains in their physical abilities at follow-up ( p < .01 ) . CONCLUSIONS Gains in strength and gait velocity without concomitant increases in muscle tone are possible after a short-term strengthening program for stroke survivors . The psychological benefit associated with physical activity is significant
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 .