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 .
Muscle hypertrophy, strength development, and serum hormones during strength training in elderly women with fibromyalgia
Objective : To examine the effects of strength training on maximal force , cross‐sectional area ( CSA ) , and electromyographic ( EMG ) activity of muscles and serum hormone concentrations in elderly females with fibromyalgia ( FM ) . Methods : Twenty‐six patients with FM were r and omly assigned to a  training ( FMT ; n = 13 ; mean age 60 years ) or a  control ( FMC ; n = 13 ; 59 years ) group . FMT performed progressive strength training twice a week for 21 weeks . The measurements included maximal isometric and concentric leg extension forces , EMG activity of the vastus lateralis and medialis , CSA of the quadriceps femoris , and serum concentrations of testosterone ( T ) , free testosterone ( FT ) , growth hormone ( GH ) , insulin‐like growth factor‐1 ( IGF‐1 ) , dehydroepi and rosterone sulfate ( DHEAS ) , and cortisol . Subjectively perceived symptoms of FM were also assessed . Results : All patients were able to complete the training . In FMT strength training led to increases of 36 % ( p<0.001 ) and 33 % ( p<0.001 ) in maximal isometric and concentric forces , respectively . The CSA increased by 5 % ( p<0.001 ) and the EMG activity in isometric action by 47 % ( p<0.001 ) and in concentric action by 57 % ( p<0.001 ) . Basal serum hormone concentrations remained unaltered during strength training . The subjective perceived symptoms showed a minor decreasing tendency ( ns ) . No statistically significant changes occurred in any of these parameters in FMC . Conclusion : Progressive strength training  increases strength , CSA , and voluntary activation of the trained muscles in elderly women with FM , while the measured basal serum hormone concentrations remain unaltered . Strength training benefits the overall physical fitness of the patients without adverse effects or any exacerbation of symptoms and should be included in the rehabilitation programmes of elderly patients with FM
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 .