Logo of nihpaAbout Author manuscriptsSubmit a manuscriptHHS Public Access; Author Manuscript; Accepted for publication in peer reviewed journal;
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2015 Feb 11.
Published in final edited form as:
PMCID: PMC4324332
NIHMSID: NIHMS427251

Progressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults

Abstract

Background

Muscle weakness in old age is associated with physical function decline. Progressive resistance strength training (PRT) exercises are designed to increase strength.

Objectives

To assess the effects of PRT on older people and identify adverse events.

Search methods

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialized Register (to March 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to May 01, 2008), EMBASE (1980 to February 06 2007), CINAHL (1982 to July 01 2007) and two other electronic databases. We also searched reference lists of articles, reviewed conference abstracts and contacted authors.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials reporting physical outcomes of PRT for older people were included.

Data collection and analysis

Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data were pooled where appropriate.

Main results

One hundred and twenty one trials with 6700 participants were included. In most trials, PRT was performed two to three times per week and at a high intensity. PRT resulted in a small but significant improvement in physical ability (33 trials, 2172 participants; SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.22). Functional limitation measures also showed improvements: e.g. there was a modest improvement in gait speed (24 trials, 1179 participants, MD 0.08 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12); and a moderate to large effect for getting out of a chair (11 trials, 384 participants, SMD -0.94, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.38). PRT had a large positive effect on muscle strength (73 trials, 3059 participants, SMD 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00). Participants with osteoarthritis reported a reduction in pain following PRT (6 trials, 503 participants, SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.13). There was no evidence from 10 other trials (587 participants) that PRT had an effect on bodily pain. Adverse events were poorly recorded but adverse events related to musculoskeletal complaints, such as joint pain and muscle soreness, were reported in many of the studies that prospectively defined and monitored these events. Serious adverse events were rare, and no serious events were reported to be directly related to the exercise programme.

Authors' conclusions

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. However, some caution is needed with transferring these exercises for use with clinical populations because adverse events are not adequately reported.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) Activities of Daily Living, Muscle Weakness [*rehabilitation], Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Recovery of Function [physiology], Resistance Training [adverse effects, *methods]
MeSH check words: Aged, Humans

Background

Description of the condition

Muscle strength is the amount of force produced by a muscle. The loss of muscle strength in old age is a prevalent condition. Muscle strength declines with age such that, on average, the strength of people in their 80s is about 40% less than that of people in their 20s (Doherty 1993). Muscle weakness, particularly of the lower limbs, is associated with reduced walking speed (Buchner 1996), increased risk of disability (Guralnik 1995) and falls in older people (Tinetti 1986).

Description of the intervention

Progressive resistance training (PRT) is often used to increase muscle strength. During the exercise, participants exercise their muscles against some type of resistance that is progressively increased as strength improves. Common equipment used for PRT includes exercise machines, free weights, and elastic bands.

How the intervention might work

Contrary to long held beliefs, the muscles of older people (i.e. people aged 60 years and older) continue to be adaptable, even into the extremes of old age (Frontera 1988). Trials have revealed that older people can experience large improvements in their muscle strength, particularly if their muscles are significantly overloaded during training (Brown 1990; Charette 1991; Fiatarone 1994).

Why it is important to do this review

Despite evidence of benefit from PRT in terms of improving muscle strength, there is still uncertainty about how these effects translate into changes in substantive outcomes such a reduction in physical disability (Chandler 1998). Most studies have been under-powered to determine the effects of PRT on these outcomes or have included PRT as part of a complex intervention. In addition, there is uncertainty about the effects of PRT when more pragmatic, home or hospital-based programmes are used, and the safety and effectiveness of this intervention in older adults who have health problems and/or functional limitations. Finally, there is uncertainty about the relative benefits of PRT compared with other exercise programmes, or the effectiveness of varying doses of PRT (i.e. programmes of varying intensity and duration). This update of our review (Latham 2003a) has continued to assess and summarise the evidence for PRT.

Objectives

To determine the effects of progressive resistance strength training (PRT) on physical function in older adults through comparing PRT with no exercise, or another type of care or exercise (e.g. aerobic training). Comparisons of different types (e.g. intensities, frequencies, or speed) of PRT were included also. We considered these effects primarily in terms of measures of physical (dis)ability and adverse effects, and secondary measures of functional impairment (muscle strength & aerobic capacity) and limitation (e.g. gait speed).

Methods

Criteria for considering studies for this review

Types of studies

Any randomised clinical trials meeting the specifications below were included. All non-randomised controlled trials (e.g. controlled before and after studies) were excluded. Also excluded were trials for which details were provided that indicated these used quasi-randomised methods, such as allocation based on date of birth.

Types of participants

Older people, resident in institutions or at home in the community. Trials were included if the mean age of participants was 60 or over, but excluded if participants aged less than 50 were enrolled. The participants could include frail or disabled older people, people with identified diseases or health problems, or fit and healthy people.

Types of interventions

Any trial that had one group of participants who received PRT as a primary intervention was considered for inclusion. PRT was defined as a strength training programme in which the participants exercised their muscles against an external force that was set at specific intensity for each participant, and this resistance was adjusted throughout the training programme. The type of resistance used included elastic bands or tubing (i.e. therabands), cuff weights, free weights, isokinetic machines or other weight machines. This type of training could take place in individual or group exercise programmes, and in a home-based or gymnasium/clinic setting. Studies that utilised only isometric exercises were excluded. Studies that included balance, aerobic or other training as part of the exercise intervention (and not simply part of the warm-up or cool-down) were also excluded.

We found the following comparisons between groups in the trials:

  • PRT versus no exercise (greatest difference between groups was expected)
  • Different types of PRT: high intensity versus low intensity, high frequency versus low frequency, or higher speed (power training) versus regular speed (greatest effect expected in the higher intensity groups). Power training refers to the type of PRT that emphasizes speed.
  • PRT versus regular care (including regular therapy or exercise)
  • PRT versus another type of exercise (smaller difference between groups expected)

Types of outcome measures

Primary outcomes

This review assessed physical function in older adults at the level of impairment, functional limitation and disability. The primary outcome of this review was physical disability. This was assessed as a continuous variable. The outcomes were categorized based on the Nagi model of health states (Nagi 1991). In this model, disability is considered to be a limitation in performance of socially defined roles and tasks that can relate to self-care, work, family etc. In this review, the primary assessment of physical disability included the evaluation of self-reported measures of activities of daily living (ADL, i.e. the Barthel Index) and the physical domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL, i.e. the physical function domain of the SF-36). Data from these measures were pooled for the main analysis of physical disability. However, because these two types of measures (ADL and physical domains of HRQOL) evaluate different health concepts, they were also evaluated in separate analyses. The Nagi model also includes firstly, the domain of ‘functional limitations’ which are limitations in performance at the level of the whole person and includes activities such as walking, climbing or reaching, and secondly, ‘impairments’ that are defined as anatomical or physiological abnormalities.

Since the protocol of this review was written, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Handicap (ICF) has been released (WHO 2001). Under this system, disability is an umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. Using the ICF, the outcome measures evaluated in this review fall under the domains of impairments, limitations in simple activities (similar to ‘functional limitations’ in Nagi's system) and limitations in complex activities (similar to some aspects of disability in Nagi's model).

Secondary outcomes

Measures of impairment (outcome comparisons 2 and 3)

The following secondary outcomes were assessed as continuous variables:

  • muscle strength (e.g. 1 repetition maximum test, isokinetic and isometric dynamometry)
  • aerobic capacity (e.g. 6 minute walk test, VO2 max: maximal oxygen uptake during exercise)

Measures of functional limitation (simple physical activities)

The following secondary outcomes were assessed as continuous variables:

  • balance (e.g. Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test)
  • gait speed, timed walk
  • timed ‘up-and-go’ test
  • chair rise (sit to stand)
  • stair climbing (added in 2008)

The balance outcome is also reviewed in a separate Cochrane review (Howe 2007).

Other outcomes

The dichotomous secondary outcomes assessed were adverse events, admission to hospital and death. The effect of PRT on falls was also evaluated, although these outcomes are considered in a separate Cochrane review (Gillespie 2003). Pain and vitality measures were evaluated as continuous outcomes, and were used to provide additional information about the potential adverse effects or benefits of PRT.

Outcomes removed after the protocol

In the original protocol for this review, measures of fear of falling and participation in social activities were also included as outcomes. However, when the size and complexity of this review became apparent, the authors decided to limit this review to assessments of physical disability as this was the prespecified primary aim of the review. Therefore, these outcomes are not included in the current review. In addition, the protocol also stated that assessments of disability using the Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) would be dichotomised. However as no trials included the FIM as an outcome and only three trials used the Barthel Index, the decision was made to report these data as continuous outcomes only.

Search methods for identification of studies

Electronic searches

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (March 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2002, Issue 2; February 2007), MEDLINE (1966 to May 01, 2008), EMBASE (1980 t February 06, 2007), CINAHL (1982 to July 01, 2007), SPORTDiscus (1948 to February 07, 2007), PEDro - The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (accessed February 07, 2007) and Digital Dissertations (accessed February 01, 2007). No language restrictions were applied.

In MEDLINE (OVID Web) the subject specific search strategy was combined with the first two phases of the Cochrane optimal search strategy (Higgins 2006). This search strategy, along with those for EMBASE (OVID Web), The Cochrane Library (Wiley InterScience), CINAHL (OVID Web), SPORTDiscus (OVID Web) and PEDro, can be found in Appendix 1.

Searching other resources

We contacted authors and searched reference lists of identified studies, and reviews (Anonymous 2001; Buchner 1993; Chandler 1996; Fiatarone 1993; Keysor 2001; King 1998; King 2001; Mazzeo 1998; Singh 2002).

We also handsearched the following conference proceedings:

  • 16th International Association of Gerontology World Congress; 1997; Adelaide (Australia).
  • 17th International Association of Gerontology World Congress; 2001; Vancouver (Canada).
  • Proceedings of the 13th World Congress of Physical Therapy; 1995; Washington (DC).
  • Proceedings of the 14th World Congress of Physical Therapy; 1999; Japan.
  • New Zealand Association of Gerontology Conferences -1996 Dunedin, 1999 Wellington and 2002 Auckland (New Zealand).
  • The 60th annual scientific meeting of the Gerontological Society of America; 2007, San Francisco, CA.
  • The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine -American Society of Neurorehabilitation Joint Conference; 2006, Boston, MA.

Data collection and analysis

Selection of studies

For this update (Issue 3, 2009), one author (CJL) conducted the searches. Both listed authors (CJL, NL) reviewed the titles, descriptors or abstracts identified from all literature searches to identify potentially relevant trials for full review. A copy of the full text of all trials that appeared to be potentially suitable for the review was obtained. Both authors independently used previously defined inclusion criteria to select the trials. In all cases, the reviewers reached a consensus when they initially disagreed about the inclusion of a trial. Before this update, the same method of identifying and assessing studies was used, although other members of the previous review team assisted (Latham 2003a).

Data extraction and management

Two authors independently extracted the data and recorded information on a standardised paper form. They considered all primary and secondary outcomes. If the data were not reported in a form that enabled quantitative pooling, the authors were contacted for additional information. If the authors could not be contacted or if the information was no longer available, the trial was not included in the pooling for that specific outcome.

Assessment of risk of bias in included studies

The methodological quality of each trial was independently assessed by two authors (NL, CS in the first review; CJL, NL in the update) using a scoring system that was based on the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group's former evaluation tool. The review authors were blinded to the trial authors' institution, journal that the trial was published in and the results of the trial. A third review author (CA) was consulted in the first review if a consensus about the trial quality could not be reached. No third review author was involved in the review update. The criteria for assessing internal and external validity can be found in Table 1.

Assessment of heterogeneity

The chi2 test was used to assess heterogeneity. In future updates, we will also assess heterogeneity by visual inspection of the forest plots and consideration of the I2 statistic.

Data synthesis

Where it was thought appropriate, the results from the studies were combined. Data synthesis was carried out using MetaView in Review Manager version 5.0. For continuous outcomes, mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated when similar measurement units were used. To pool outcomes using different units, standardised units (i.e. standardised mean differences, SMD) were created as appropriate. We calculated risk ratios and 95% CI for dichotomous outcomes, where possible. If minimal statistical heterogeneity (P < 0.1) existed, fixed-effect meta-analysis was performed.

For trials that compared two or more different dosages of PRT versus a control group, data from the higher or highest intensity group were used in the analyses of PRT versus control.

Subgroup analysis and investigation of heterogeneity

If substantial statistical heterogeneity existed, the review authors looked for possible explanations. Specifically, we considered differences in age and baseline disability of the study participants, the methodological quality of the trials and the intensity and duration of the interventions. If the statistical heterogeneity could be explained, we considered the possibility of presenting the results as subgroup analyses. If the statistical heterogeneity could not be explained, we considered not combining the studies at all, using a random-effects model with cautious interpretation or using both fixed-effect and random-effects models to assist in explaining the uncertainty around an analysis with heterogeneous studies.

Sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the effect of differences in methodological quality. These included allocation concealment, blinding of outcome assessors, statements of intention-to-treat analysis and use of attention control.

Results

Description of studies

See: Characteristics of included studies; Characteristics of excluded studies.

Results of the search

Please see the ‘Characteristics of included studies’.

One hundred and twenty-one trials with 6700 participants at entry were included in this review. Four studies were published only as abstracts and/or theses (Collier 1997; Fiatarone 1997; Moreland 2001; Newnham 1995).

Included studies

There was variation across the trials in the characteristics of the participants, the design of the PRT programmes, the interventions provided for the comparison group and the outcomes assessed. More detailed information is provided in the ‘Characteristics of included studies’; however, a brief summary is provided here.

Language

All reviewed trials were published in English.

Location

Sixty-eight trials were conducted in the USA, 13 in Canada, 9 in Australia or New Zealand, and 31 in various European countries.

Study size

Most of these studies were small, with less than 40 participants in total, but 14 studies had 100 or more participants in total in a PRT group and a control group (Buchner 1997; Chandler 1998; Chin A Paw 2006; de Vos 2005; Ettinger 1997; Jette 1996; Jette 1999; Judge 1994; Latham 2003; Maurer 1999; McCartney 1995; Mikesky 2006; Moreland 2001; Segal 2003).

Participants

Health status

The participants in 59 trials were healthy older adults. In the remaining 62 trials, the participants had a health problem, functional limitation and/or were residing in a hospital or residential care. Thirty-two trials included older people with a specific medical condition, including diabetes (Brandon 2003), prostate cancer (Segal 2003), osteoarthritis (Baker 2001; Ettinger 1997; Foley 2003; Maurer 1999; Mikesky 2006; Schilke 1996; Topp 2002), osteoporosis/osteopenia (Liu-Ambrose 2005), peripheral arterial disease (Hiatt 1994; McGuigan 2001), recent stroke (Moreland 2001; Ouellette 2004), congestive heart failure (Brochu 2002; Pu 2001; Selig 2004; Tyni-Lenne 2001), chronic airflow limitation (Casaburi 2004; Kongsgaard 2004; Simpson 1992), clinical depression (Sims 2006; Singh 1997; Singh 2005), low bonemineral density (Parkhouse 2000), hip replacement due to osteoarthritis (Suetta 2004), hip/lower limb fracture (Mangione 2005; Miller 2006), obesity (Ballor 1996), chronic renal insufficiency (Castaneda 2001; Castaneda 2004) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery three or more months before exercise training (Maiorana 1997). Nineteen other trials recruited participants who did not have a specific health problem, but were considered frail and/or to have a functional limitation (Bean 2004; Boshuizen 2005; Chandler 1998; Fiatarone 1994; Fiatarone 1997; Fielding 2002; Hennessey 2001; Jette 1999; Krebs 2007; Latham 2003; Manini 2005; McMurdo 1995; Mihalko 1996; Miszko 2003; Newnham 1995; Skelton 1996; Sullivan 2005; Topp 2005; Westhoff 2000). In nine trials, the participants resided in a resthome or nursing home (Baum 2003; Bruunsgaard 2004; Chin A Paw 2006; Fiatarone 1994; Hruda 2003; McMurdo 1995; Mihalko 1996; Newnham 1995; Seynnes 2004). In addition, two trials included participants who were in hospital at the time the exercise programme was carried out (Donald 2000; Latham 2001). In the other trials, most or all of the participants lived in the community.

Age

In 49 studies the mean or median age of the participants was between 60 and 69 years old; in 57 studies, the mean/median age was between 70 and 79 years old; and in 20 studies, it was 80 years old or over.

PRT Programmes

Settings

Most training programmes took place in gym or clinic settings with all sessions fully supervised. Ten studies were entirely home-based (Baker 2001; Chandler 1998; Fiatarone 1997; Jette 1996; Jette 1999; Katznelson 2006; Krebs 2007; Latham 2003; Mangione 2005; McMurdo 1995), while 12 additional studies carried out some of the training at home and some in gym/clinic settings (Boshuizen 2005; Ettinger 1997; Jones 1994; Mikesky 2006; Simoneau 2006; Skelton 1995; Skelton 1996; Topp 1993; Topp 1996; Topp 2002; Topp 2005; Westhoff 2000).

Intensity

The resistance training programmes in most trials (i.e. 83 trials) involved high intensity training. Most of these trials used specialized exercise machines for training. Thirty-six trials used low-intensity to moderate-intensity training, with most using elastic tubing or bands. All of the high-intensity training was carried out at least in part in gym or clinic based settings, with the exception of two published trials (Baker 2001; Latham 2003) and a trial published as an abstract (Fiatarone 1997).

Frequency and duration

The frequency of training was consistent across studies, with the exercise programme carried out two to three times a week in almost all trials. Two exceptions to this were the two trials conducted in hospital which carried out the exercises on a daily basis (Donald 2000; Latham 2001). In contrast, there was large variation in the duration of the exercise programmes and the number of exercises performed in each programme. Although most of the programmes (i.e. 71 trials) were eight to 12 weeks long, the duration ranged from two to 104 weeks. In 54 trials the exercise programme was longer than 12 weeks. The number of exercises performed also varied, from one to more than 14.

Adherence

Data about adherence to the PRT programme are reported in the ‘Characteristics of included studies’. These data are difficult to interpret because different definitions for adherence or compliance were used across the trials. In most trials, adherence referred to the percentage of exercise sessions attended compared with the total number of prescribed sessions and in this case the reported adherence rate is high (i.e. greater than 75%). Many trials only included participants that completed the entire trial (i.e. excluded drop-outs), while some trials reported these data with drop-outs included.

Comparison interventions

Comparisons were conducted between a PRT group and a control group and between a PRT group and a group that received other type of intervention. In addition, comparisons between high intensity or frequency and low intensity or frequency, different sets, and different types of contraction training were also conducted. Multiple comparisons within a trial were possible when the trial included more than two groups that were relevant to the review. Twenty-eight trials had three groups. Among these trials, 14 included an aerobic training group in addition to a PRT group and a control group (Ettinger 1997; Fahlman 2002; Fatouros 2002; Haykowsky 2005; Hiatt 1994; Jubrias 2001; Kallinen 2002; Madden 2006; Malliou 2003; Mangione 2005; Pollock 1991; Sipila 1996; Topp 2005; Wood 2001), and seven included two PRT groups that exercised at different intensities in addition to a control group (de Vos 2005; Fatouros 2005; Hortobagyi 2001; Hunter 2001; Kalapotharakos 2005; Seynnes 2004; Singh 2005). One trial had a PRT group, a functional training group, and a PRT with functional training group (Manini 2005). The other six trials either had a balance training group (Judge 1994), functional training group (Chin A Paw 2006; de Vreede 2007), an endurance training group (Sipila 1996), a mobility training group (McMurdo 1995), or a power training group (Miszko 2003) in addition to a PRT group and a control group. One trial had three groups that exercised at three different frequencies in addition to a control group (Taaffe 1999).

PRT versus controls

One hundred and four trials compared PRT with a control group. The control group might receive no exercise, regular care, or attention control (i.e. the control group receives matching attention as the intervention group).

Comparisons of PRT dosage

High intensity versus low intensity

Ten studies compared PRT programmes at high intensity versus low intensity (Beneka 2005; Fatouros 2005; Harris 2004; Hortobagyi 2001; Seynnes 2004; Singh 2005; Sullivan 2005; Taaffe 1996; Tsutsumi 1997; Vincent 2002).

Different frequencies of PRT

Two trials (DiFrancisco 2007; Taaffe 1999) compared PRT performed at different frequencies (i.e. once, twice, or three times per week).

Different sets

One study compared PRT at different sets, i.e. 3-sets versus 1-set (Galvao 2005). One set of exercise means several continuous repeated movements.

Concentric versus eccentric training

One study (Symons 2005) compared PRT at two types of contraction training: concentric versus eccentric training. During concentric training, speed was added at concentric contraction phase and vise versa for eccentric training.

PRT versus balance training

One study compared PRT with balance training (Judge 1994). Balance training included training on a computerized balance platform and non-platform training (i.e. balancing on different surfaces, with varying bases of support, with different perturbations). Both exercise programmes were performed in a research center three times per week for three months.

PRT versus functional training

Three studies compared PRT to functional training (Chin A Paw 2006; de Vreede 2007; Manini 2005). Functional training involves game-like activities or exercise movements in various directions. In Chin A Paw 2006, functional training involved game-like or cooperative activities; and in de Vreede 2007, functional training involved moving with a vertical or horizontal component, carrying an object, and changing position between lying, sitting, and standing.

PRT versus flexibility training

One study compared PRT with flexibility training (Barrett 2002).

Power training

Power training refers to the type of PRT that emphasizes speed. Three studies applied this type of training (de Vos 2005; Macaluso 2003; Miszko 2003).

Outcomes

A variety of outcomes were assessed in these studies: the primary outcomes of physical function and secondary outcomes of measures of impairment and functional limitation.

Excluded studies

The excluded studies and their reasons for exclusion are listed in the ‘Characteristics of excluded studies’. The main reasons for exclusion were that the study was not a randomised controlled trial or that the study design caused serious threats to its internal validity (57 trials); the studies used a combination of exercise interventions (i.e. not resistance training alone) (51 trials); the strength training programme did not use a progressive resistance approach (32 trials); and some participants were not elderly (i.e. did not have a mean age of at least 60 years and/or included some participants below 50 years of age) (25 trials).

Studies awaiting assessment

Nine trials were identified on a search update to May 2008, and a further trial was added after a referee's comment.

Risk of bias in included studies

Methodological quality scores of each item for all included studies are given in Table 2. A summary of the findings of key indicators of internal validity are listed below.

Allocation concealment

Eleven studies provided some information about the method of randomisation that suggested that randomisation was probably concealed (i.e. the use of concealed envelopes or the randomisation was generated by an independent person) (Baker 2001; Chin A Paw 2006; Donald 2000; Foley 2003; Jette 1999; Latham 2001; Latham 2003; McMurdo 1995; Moreland 2001; Sims 2006; Sullivan 2005). Nineteen studies used randomisation list/table but allocation concealment was unclear (Barrett 2002; Baum 2003; Buchner 1997; de Vos 2005; de Vreede 2007; DiFrancisco 2007; Ettinger 1997; Krebs 2007; Liu-Ambrose 2005; Maurer 1999; Miller 2006; Schilke 1996; Segal 2003; Singh 1997; Singh 2005; Skelton 1995; Suetta 2004; Vincent 2002; Wieser 2007).

Loss to follow-up

Some trials had high drop-out rates, with several studies reporting more than 20% of their participants were lost to follow-up (Bruunsgaard 2004; Chin A Paw 2006; DeBeliso 2005; Donald 2000; Katznelson 2006; Kongsgaard 2004; Mangione 2005; Mikesky 2006; Topp 1996). In some studies there was clear evidence of bias associated with the deliberate exclusion of patients such as those who failed to adhere to the exercise programme (Izquierdo 2004; Madden 2006; Topp 1996; Vincent 2002) or those who had adverse responses (Hagerman 2000).

Blinding of participants

Blinding of participants is difficult in studies of exercise interventions. However, the use of attention control groups can help to minimise bias. Thirty-six studies used some type of attention programme for the control group (Baker 2001; Baum 2003; Bean 2004; Brochu 2002; Bruunsgaard 2004; Castaneda 2001; Castaneda 2004; Chin A Paw 2006; Damush 1999; Ettinger 1997; Fiatarone 1994; Fiatarone 1997; Foley 2003; Judge 1994; Kongsgaard 2004; Latham 2003; Liu-Ambrose 2005; Mangione 2005; Maurer 1999; McCartney 1995; McMurdo 1995; Mihalko 1996; Mikesky 2006; Miller 2006;Miszko 2003; Moreland 2001; Newnham 1995; Ouellette 2004; Pu 2001; Seynnes 2004; Simons 2006; Sims 2006; Singh 1997; Suetta 2004; Topp 1993; Topp 1996). In 10 of these studies, the control group received ‘sham’ exercise programmes (Bean 2004; Brochu 2002; Castaneda 2001; Castaneda 2004; Kongsgaard 2004; Liu-Ambrose 2005; Mikesky 2006; Ouellette 2004; Pu 2001; Seynnes 2004).

Duration of follow-up

Five studies continued to follow up the participants after intervention had ended (Buchner 1997; Fiatarone 1994; Moreland 2001; Newnham 1995; Sims 2006). Two of these followed up falls for more than one year (Buchner 1997; Fiatarone 1994).

Effects of interventions

Eleven studies did not report final means and standard deviations for some or all of their outcome measures but instead reported baseline mean scores and mean change in scores from baseline (Baum 2003; Bean 2004; Buchner 1997; Chandler 1998; Fiatarone 1994; Hiatt 1994; Jette 1996; Lamoureux 2003; Madden 2006; Sullivan 2005; Topp 1996). If additional data could not be obtained from the investigators, the final mean score was estimated by adding the change in score to the baseline score, and the standard deviation of the baseline score was used for the final score.

Four studies did not report standard deviations for some or all of their outcome measures but instead reported standardized errors (Ouellette 2004; Seynnes 2004; Suetta 2004; Topp 2002). The standard deviations were estimated based on reported standardized errors and sample sizes.

Eight studies did not report numerical results of outcomes of interest for the purpose of this review and additional data were not provided by the investigators (Castaneda 2004; Fielding 2002; Harris 2004; Haykowsky 2005; Krebs 2007; Miller 2006; Topp 2005; Wieser 2007).

PRT versus control

Measures of physical (dis)ability/HRQOL (complex physical activities)

The main function (disability) measures from trials that had appropriate data were pooled using the standardised mean difference (SMD) and a fixed-effect model. Because studies measured function in scales with different directions, a higher score indicates either less disability/better function or more disability/poor function, a transformation was conducted to make all the scales point in the same direction. Mean values from trials in which a higher score indicates more disability/poor function were multiplied by -1. There is a significant effect of PRT in decreasing disability (see Figure 1; Analysis 1.1: 33 trials, 2172 participants; SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.22). When the physical function domain of SF-36 or SF-12 was pooled from 14 studies (n = 778) using a fixed-effect model, no difference was found (Analysis 1.2: SMD 0.07, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.21). No difference was found from the pooled results of three trials for activity of daily living measures (Analysis 1.3). A number of studies had function measures (i.e. measures of activity, function or HRQOL) that could not be pooled. The available data from these measures are reported in Table 3.

Figure 1
Forest plot of comparison: 1 PRT versus control, outcome: 1.1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)

Measures of impairment

Strength

Many different muscle groups were tested and a number of methods were used to evaluate muscle strength in these trials. To minimise clinical heterogeneity, data were pooled from one muscle group. The leg extensor group of muscles was selected since this group was the most frequently evaluated. The effect size was calculated using standardised mean difference (SMD) to allow the pooling of data that used different units of measurement. Seventy-three studies involving 3059 participants reported the effect of resistance training on a lower-limb extensor muscle group and provided data that allowed pooling. A moderate-to-large beneficial effect was found (Analysis 1.5: SMD 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00, random-effects model; fixed-effect model: SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.61).

Supplementary analyses

Significant statistical heterogeneity was apparent in these data (P < 0.0001). Since a large number of studies assessed this outcome, it was possible to explore this heterogeneity by stratifying the data. Differences in treatment effects due to the quality of the trials were investigated. We also explored subgroups of trials that were based on the design of the treatment programmes and the characteristics of the participants.

To explore the effect of data quality on treatment effects, data were stratified by four design features that are associated with internal validity. These are allocation concealment; blinded assessors; intention-to-treat analysis (ITT); and attention control groups. The fixed-effect model was used throughout in order to obtain the results for the test for subgroup differences. The effect was smaller in the few studies with clear allocation concealment (6 trials, 607 participants) compared with studies with unknown concealment of allocation (67 trials, 2452 participants): Analysis 10.1: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 32.69, df = 1 (P < 0.00001). The effect was also smaller in studies that used blinded assessors (19 trials, 1523 participants) compared with studies that did not use blinded assessors (54 trials, 1536 participants): Analysis 10.2: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 70.56, df = 1 (P < 0.00001). This was also true for studies that used intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) (12 trials, 1041 participants) versus no ITT (61 trials, 2018 participants): Analysis 10.3: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 49.74, df = 1 (P < 0.00001). It is noticable that trials that applied better design features tend to be the larger trials. The effect was smaller when attention control groups were used (attention control: 24 studies, 1408 participants, no attention control: 49 studies, 1651 participants): Analysis 10.4: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 25.04, df = 1 (P < 0.00001).

Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the effect of PRT when the design of the exercise programme and the characteristics of the participants differed. The effect of differences in the exercise programme was explored by examining effect estimates in studies that used different intensity and duration. High intensity strength training was compared with low to moderate intensity training. This analysis suggests that while both training approaches are probably effective in improving strength, higher intensity training (54 trials, 2026 participants) has a larger effect on strength than low to moderate intensity training (19 trials, 1033 participants): Analysis 10.5: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 7.24, df = 1 (P = 0.007). Longer duration programmes (i.e. greater than 12 weeks) were also compared with shorter duration programmes (less than 12 weeks). The duration of the trial appeared to have minimal effect on the strength outcome (< 12 weeks: 20 trials, 828 participants; > 12 weeks: 36 trials, 1736 participants): Analysis 10.6: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 0.04, df = 1 (P = 0.85).

Treatment effects in older people with and without a chronic disease (or functional limitation) were also assessed. Again, resistance training appeared to be effective in improving strength in both groups of older people, but there was statistical heterogeneity in the effects. Studies that included participants who had specific health problems and/or functional limitations were compared with studies that included only healthy older people. The effect in older adults who were healthy has a larger effect size than older adults with specific health problems (healthy older adults: 46 trials, 1502 participants; older adults with specific health problems: 19 trials, 926 participants): Analysis 10.7: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 19.85, df = 1 (P < 0.00001). In addition, PRT in studies that included older adults who had a physical disability or functional limitation appeared to be less effective than in those that included older adults who did not have functional limitations (people with functional limitations: 13 studies, 784 participants; people with no functional limitations: 41 studies, 1349 participants): Analysis 10.8: test for subgroup differences: Chi2 = 29.33, df = 1 (P < 0.00001). However, this result could be confounded by the intensity of the PRT programmes, as almost all programmes that included people with functional limitations were carried out at a low to moderate intensity. There were insufficient data available to compare the results by gender (men only: 5 trials with 107 participants; women only: 15 trials with 486 participants).

Aerobic capacity

The main measure of aerobic capacity was pooled from 29 studies (n = 1138) using a random-effects model. These results suggest that PRT has a significant effect on aerobic capacity (Analysis 1.6: SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.53). Further analyses were performed for three specific measures of aerobic capacity: VO2 max (ml/kg/min), peak oxygen uptake (L/min) and the six-minute walk test (meters). A consistent significant effect was found for VO2 max (Analysis 1.7: 18 trials, n = 710, MD 1.5 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.51). Similarly, a significant positive effect was found for the six-minute walk test (Analysis 1.8: 11 trials, n = 325, MD 52.37 meters, 95% CI 17.38 to 87.37).

Measures of functional limitations (simple physical activities)

Balance/postural control

Results from all balance performance measures were pooled using SMD and a fixed-effect model. Data pooled from 17 studies with 996 participants showed a small but non-significant benefit (higher score indicates better balance) for balance (Analysis 1.9: SMD 0.12 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.25).

Gait speed

Two different measures of walking speed were used: gait speed (measured in meters per second) and timed walk (i.e. time to walk a set distance, measured in seconds). A higher gait speed score indicates faster mobility, while a higher timed walk score indicates slower mobility. Because of this difference, these data were analyzed separately. Data for gait speed were available from 24 studies that included 1179 participants (Analysis 1.11: MD 0.08 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12, random-effects). This indicated that PRT has a modest but significant beneficial effect on gait speed. Only eight trials measured the timed walk (seconds) as an outcome measure and no evidence of an effect was found (Analysis 1.12; 204 participants, MD -0.23 seconds, 95% CI -1.07 to 0.62, fixed-effect).

Timed up-and-go

Timed up-and-go (i.e. time to stand from a chair, walk three meters, turn, and return to sitting, measured in seconds) was analysed using a fixed-effect model. Data, available from 12 trials and a total of 691 participants, showed the PRT group took significantly less time to complete this mobility task (Analysis 1.13: MD -0.69 seconds, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.27).

Timed chair rise

Time to stand up from a sitting position data were available in 11 studies (n = 384). Because different numbers of sit-to-stand were counted, SMD and a random-effects model was used to pool these results. These showed a significant, moderate to large effect on this task in favour of the PRT group (Analysis 1.14: SMD -0.94, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.38).

Stair climbing

Time to climb stairs data, which were available from eight trials, also favoured PRT (Analysis 1.15). However, these results were highly heterogenous.

Falls

Thirteen studies collected data about the effect of resistance training on falls or reported the incident of falls, but the outcomes reported did not allow pooling of the data. The available data is reported in Table 4. Three of these studies (Buchner 1997; Fiatarone 1994; Judge 1994) were part of the FICSIT trial, a prospective preplanned meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of exercise to prevent falls in older people (Province 1995). The data were extracted from the main FICSIT paper, because papers published about the individual exercise programmes did not provide useful data about the effect of resistance training alone on falls. One additional trial investigated the effect of resistance training on falls in older people while they were in hospital (Donald 2000). Another trial also assessed the effect of PRT on frail older people following discharge from hospital (Latham 2003). There is a more comprehensive review of the effect of exercise on falls in a separate Cochrane review (Gillespie 2003).

With the exception of Latham 2003, all of these trials were small (i.e. less than 80 participants in the resistance training and control groups). Only Donald 2000 found a significant reduction in falls, but there were few fall events in this trial.

Adverse events

Adverse events are reported for all trials in the review at the end of the results section.

Vitality

The vitality (VT) domain of the SF-36 health status measure was assessed in 10 studies involving 611 participants. For this measure, a higher score indicates better health (i.e. more vitality): there was no evidence of an effect of PRT from the pooled data (Analysis 1.17: MD 1.33 95% CI -0.89 to 3.55).

Pain

Data of bodily pain (BP) domain of the SF-36 health status measure were provided by 10 studies involving 587 participants. For this measure, a higher score indicates better health (i.e. less pain), there was no evidence that PRT had an effect on bodily pain (Analysis 1.18: MD 0.34, 95% CI -3.44 to 4.12). In contrast, six studies with 503 participants included pain measures where a higher score indicates more pain, and found evidence to support a modest reduction in pain following PRT (Analysis 1.19: SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.13). These six studies all included participants with osteoarthritis and used pain measures designed specifically for this population, which could have increased their sensitivity to change.

Health service use, hospitalization and death

Five studies provided data about hospitalization rates, length of stay and/or outpatient visits. Donald 2000 reported that people who received PRT in addition to regular in-hospital physiotherapy had a length of stay of 27 days compared with 32 days for the control group. Latham 2003 found that 42/120 people in the PRT group were admitted to hospital over six months compared to 35/123 in the control group. The third trial by Singh 1997 reported that, over a 10 week period, people in the PRT group had mean 2.1 (SD 0.4) visits to a health professional and mean 0.24 (SD 0.2) hospital days compared to controls mean of 2.0 (SD 0.5) visits and mean 0.53 (0.4) hospital days. The fourth study by Singh 2005 reported visits to a health professional over the study (average numbers per person): high intensity group, 2 (2); low intensity group, 2 (1.8); controls, 5 (1.8). The fifth study by Miller 2006 reported participants' discharge destinations but did not specify the group: 52 participants were discharged to a rehabilitation programme, 12 were transferred to a community hospital, 16 were discharged to higher level care, and 20 returned directly to their pre-injury admission accommodation. An additional study, Buchner 1997, provided data about health service use, but only reported data that were pooled to include participants in aerobic training, combined aerobic training and PRT and PRT alone. This study found no change in hospital admissions between those in the exercise and control groups, but an increased number of outpatient visits by those in the control group. Finally, two studies stated that there was no difference in health care visits (Fiatarone 1997) or hospitalization (Pu 2001) but no specific data were provided.

Thirteen studies provided data about participant deaths that allowed pooling (Baum 2003; Boshuizen 2005; Chin A Paw 2006; Donald 2000; Ettinger 1997; Fiatarone 1994; Kallinen 2002; Latham 2003; Mangione 2005; Miller 2006; Moreland 2001; Newnham 1995; Selig 2004). The risk ratio of death in the PRT group was not significantly different from the control group (Analysis 1.20: 20 deaths versus 21 deaths; RR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.54).

Comparisons of PRT dosage

Thirteen trials investigated the effects of different doses of PRT. Note that data from medium intensity were not examined in the following.

High versus low intensity PRT

Physical function, pain and vitality

Of the 10 studies comparing high versus low intensity PRT, only two (Singh 2005; Tsutsumi 1997), evaluated physical function, pain and vitality using the domains of the SF-36. No significant difference was found for physical function (Analysis 2.1) or pain (Analysis 2.4), but vitality scores were statistically significantly higher for high intensity (Analysis 2.5: MD = 6.54, 95% CI 0.69 to 12.39).

Strength

Data from all nine studies (n = 219) were available to examine the effect of high versus low intensity PRT on lower limb strength (Beneka 2005; Fatouros 2005; Harris 2004; Hortobagyi 2001;Seynnes 2004; Sullivan 2005; Taaffe 1996; Tsutsumi 1997; Vincent 2002). The results indicate that high intensity training results in greater lower limb strength, as a moderate effect was seen (Analysis 2.2: SMD = 0.48, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.93; random-effects model).

Aerobic capacity

Three studies compared the effect of high versus low intensity PRT on aerobic capacity (Fatouros 2005; Tsutsumi 1997; Vincent 2002). These studies (n = 101) did not show greater benefit from high intensity compared with low intensity training (Analysis 2.3: MD 1.82 ml/kg/min, 95% CI -0.79 to 4.43; higher score favours high-intensity group).

High intensity versus variable intensity PRT

One trial (Hunter 2001) comparing high intensity PRT with variable intensity PRT showed no statistically significant differences for strength (Analysis 3.1: n = 24, MD = 0.61, 95% CI -0.21 to 1.44) and aerobic capacity (Analysis 3.2).

Frequency

Taaffe 1999 and DiFrancisco 2007 compared PRT at different frequencies, respectively three times a week versus once a week, and twice a week versus once a week. Both studies recruited few participants and applied high intensity intervention. There were no significant differences between the two exercise frequencies in muscle strength (Analysis 4.1: MD = 0.40, 95% CI -0.44 to 1.25; MD = -0.46, 95% CI -1.40 to 0.48).

Sets

Galvao 2005 compared PRT at 3-sets versus 1-set in 28 participants. No significant differences between the two groups were found for muscle strength (Analysis 5.1), six minute walk test (Analysis 5.2), sit-to-stand (Analysis 5.4) and stair climbing (Analysis 5.5). However, participants who exercised at 3-sets walked significantly faster than those who exercised at 1-set (Analysis 5.3: MD = -29.6 seconds, 95% -54.23 to -4.97).

PRT versus aerobic training

Physical function

Five studies evaluated the effect of PRT compared with aerobic training on physical function. Four studies (Buchner 1997; Earles 2001; Hiatt 1994; Mangione 2005) used outcomes in which a higher score indicates less disability (n = 125), and found no significant difference (see Analysis 6.1: SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.56 to 0.15; lower score favours the aerobic training group). The other study (Ettinger 1997) (n = 237) also found no significant difference between the groups for function (see Analysis 6.2: SMD 0.05, 95% CI -0.21 to 0.30; higher score favours aerobic group).

Strength

Data on lower extremity strength were available from 10 studies (n = 487) (Ballor 1996; Buchner 1997; Earles 2001; Ettinger 1997; Fatouros 2002; Izquierdo 2004; Malliou 2003; Pollock 1991; Sipila 1996; Wood 2001). These data when pooled using a random-effects model showed that PRT had a significant benefit compared with aerobic training on strength (see Analysis 6.3: SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.80; higher score favours PRT).

Aerobic capacity

Aerobic capacity was evaluated in eight studies involving 423 participants (Ballor 1996; Buchner 1997; Ettinger 1997; Hepple 1997; Hiatt 1994; Kallinen 2002; Madden 2006; Pollock 1991). This was measured using VO2 max in ml/kg/min. Using the random-effects model, aerobic training had a non-significant benefit compared to PRT for this outcome (Analysis 6.4: MD -1.13 ml/kg/min, 95% CI -2.63 to 0.38; higher values favours PRT).

Gait speed

Mangione 2005 reported on gait speed (m/s) and found no significant difference between groups (Analysis 6.6: MD -0.08 m/s, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.14; higher speed favours PRT group)

Pain

Ettinger 1997 found no significant difference between groups in pain (Analysis 6.7: MD 0.12; 95% CI -0.14 to 0.37; lower score favours PRT).

PRT versus balance

One study (Judge 1994) compared PRT with balance retraining (n = 55). This study found that strength improved in the PRT group, but not in the balance training group. Chair rise time and gait speed did not improve in any group, with gait speed actually declining in the balance training group. However, balance improved in the balance training group compared with the PRT group.

PRT versus functional training

Three studies compared PRT with functional training (Chin A Paw 2006; de Vreede 2007; Manini 2005). No significant differences between the two interventions were found for the reported outcomes (see: Analysis 7.1 physical function; Analysis 7.2 strength; Analysis 7.3 timed up and go; Analysis 7.4 vitality; Analysis 7.5 pain).

PRT versus flexibility training

Barrett 2002 (n = 40) compared a group of older adults who undertook PRT with a control group who did mainly stretching for the major muscle groups (flexibility training). No statistically significant differences were found for any of the reported outcomes (see: Analysis 8.1: SF-36 physical function; Analysis 8.2: strength; Analysis 8.3: timed walk; Analysis 8.4: chair stand; Analysis 8.5: vitality; Analysis 8.6: pain).

Power training

Two studies (de Vos 2005; Miszko 2003) (n = 76) compared power training with a control group. de Vos 2005 and another study (Macaluso 2003) also compared different intensities of power training. While the data for muscle strength for de Vos 2005 favoured high intensity power training, data pooling was inappropriate given the substantial and significant heterogeneity (see Analysis 9.1).

Adverse events

Among 121 studies that were reviewed, 53 studies provided no comment at all about adverse events associated with the training programme. Of the remaining 68 studies, 25 reported no adverse events and 43 reported some adverse reaction to the exercise programme. An additional eight studies did not report adverse events as such, but it is possible that an event occurred since these studies reported drop-outs from the exercise group secondary to increasing pain or specific injuries (Chandler 1998; Charette 1991; Fiatarone 1997; Hagerman 2000; Hortobagyi 2001; Jette 1996; Maurer 1999; Topp 1993). Given that there were considerably more drop-outs from the PRT group than from the control group (see methodological quality section above), it is possible that the number of cases of adverse events reported here are an underestimate.

Only nine studies provided an a priori definition of an adverse event in the study methods or objectives (Earles 2001; Ettinger 1997; Judge 1994; Kallinen 2002; Latham 2003; Liu-Ambrose 2005; Moreland 2001; Pollock 1991; Singh 1997). Eight of these nine studies detected adverse events (Earles 2001; Ettinger 1997; Judge 1994; Kallinen 2002; Latham 2003; Liu-Ambrose 2005; Moreland 2001; Pollock 1991). However, there was little consistency in the definition that was used, with some studies only reporting serious events that the investigators thought were possibly related to the exercise programme (i.e. Ettinger 1997) while other studies reported all adverse events that occurred in each group. Most adverse events were musculoskeletal problems. Serious adverse events were rare, and none appeared to be directly related to the exercise programme. One study reported one death of myocardial information in the PRT group (Kallinen 2002). Another two studies reported one death in the PRT group but the reason of death was not reported (Baum 2003; Chin A Paw 2006). Further details about all adverse events reported in these trials can be found in Table 5.

Discussion

Summary of main results

This review identified, graded and synthesized the available literature regarding the effect of a specific exercise intervention, PRT, on a particular population, older people. To increase the generalisability of these data, the trials included participants with a range of health problems, and the dose and delivery of the PRT programmes varied. This made it possible to assess overall effects of the intervention on older people, with a potential for exploring the effects on subgroups (i.e. in different groups of older people or with different doses of PRT). Overall, this review suggests that PRT has a small but significant effect on improving physical function (complex activities), a small to moderate effect on decreasing some impairments and functional limitations, and a large effect on increasing strength. Adverse events were poorly reported in most studies, which limits the ability of this review to assess the risks associated with this intervention. Additionally, there is some preliminary evidence that suggests that PRT might reduce pain in older people with osteoarthritis. The effect of exercise on reducing pain in people with osteoarthritis is reported in another Cochrane review (Brosseau 2003). The sparse data did not allow an adequate assessment of the effect of PRT on fall risk. However, a separate Cochrane review (Gillespie 2003) has reviewed fall prevention.

Overall completeness and applicability of evidence

This review update highlights the fact that exercise training in older adults continues to be a dynamic area of research, with the number of included studies doubling in the five years since the previous review. A quick update extending the MEDLINE search to May 2008 identified nine further studies. However, the majority of the trials continue to be studies with small sample sizes.

This review deliberately used broad inclusion criteria and multiple strategies to try to identify as many studies as possible that used PRT training with older adults. Despite these efforts, given the broad coverage of our review it is inevitable that we have missed some trials. It is particularly challenging to identify unpublished trials in this area because the studies could have been presented at many different types of conferences (stoke, OA, CHD etc). We acknowledge that it was not possible to hand search all of the potential conferences where studies in this area could be presented, and it is therefore possible that we missed some studies that had negative or neutral results and are more difficult to get published. Although we attempted to contact authors when there was any uncertainty about data, it is also likely that data could also have been missed both from the excluded trials (i.e. the outcomes may have been recorded but not reported) and the included trials (i.e. data not reported and/or data not available for pooling).

Quality of the evidence

The 121 studies in this review were generally of poor methodological quality, as most of the studies did not use design features that are known to increase internal validity, such as concealed randomisation; intention-to-treat analysis, blinded outcome assessors, or attention control groups. Only 11 studies used concealed randomisation; 22 studies used intention-to-treat analysis; and 33 studies used blinded outcome assessors for all outcomes. Therefore, caution is required when drawing conclusions from these data. When data were stratified by indicators of study quality for the outcome muscle strength, results from the high quality trials continued to support the positive effect of resistance training on strength. However, these data also indicate that low quality trials, usually small studies, that comprise the majority of the studies in the review probably overestimate the effect of resistance training because of random chance effects from small studies. The long-term outcome of PRT is unclear because the majority of studies stopped following up participants once the intervention had ended.

PRT versus control

PRT shows small positive effect on measures of physical function (disability). PRT also appears to have a positive effect on aerobic capacity and most measures of functional limitations, including gait speed, timed “Up-and-Go” and, the time to stand up from a chair. All of these effects were statistically significant, although the effect sizes tended to be small to moderate, and the clinical significance of these effects is unclear. PRT appears to have a large positive effect on strength and aerobic capacity in older people. However, there was a large amount of statistical heterogeneity associated with the estimate in strength. This variation was reduced, but not eliminated, by investigating differences in outcome in different groups of participants, types of intervention and in trials that used different quality indicators. Please note that results from such exploratory analysis are tentative. In exploratory subgroup analyses, it appeared that training intensity has the greatest effect on strength (i.e. high intensity training has a greater effect on strength than lower intensity training), while the duration of the training appears to have a reduced effect. The magnitude of the effect was influenced by participants' health status or functional status. PRT in healthy participants had a greater effect than in those with a chronic disease or functional limitation. In other words, it appeared that people with a pre-existing health condition or with functional limitations had smaller gains in strength. Additionally, men had larger gains in strength than women; although there were fewer trials in men. These subgroup analyses must be interpreted with caution as the number of participants is reduced which decreases the precision of these estimates. In addition, it is possible that study size is a source of heterogeneity, as several of the largest and highest quality trials included people with function limitations and/or lower intensity training programmes, and study quality appears to reduce the effect estimates. Overall, the effect of PRT on function is positive for older adults; although the effect seems diminished when it transfers from muscle strength to functional limitations and disability.

It was not possible to pool fall data because falls were reported differently in the five studies that measured this outcome. These data might suggest a trend towards PRT reducing falls, since four of the five studies found that participants in the PRT group had fewer falls than those in the control group. However, the effect of PRT alone on falls is still not clear.

Adverse events were poorly monitored and reported in most of these trials. This makes it difficult to assess the risk of injury or other adverse events associated with resistance training. The finding that several studies reported drop-outs from the exercise programme due to pain or injury, yet failed to report any adverse events, suggests that adverse events might have been under-reported in some trials. This hypothesis is further supported by the finding that the studies with a clear definition of adverse events in their study methods were more likely to detect these events than those with no definition. The large number of drop-outs from the PRT group compared to controls also raises the possibility that people are experiencing adverse effects from PRT that are not identified in these trials. However, it is reassuring that participant's pain and vitality were not affected by PRT, and in fact PRT appeared to decrease pain in people with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, there was no evidence of increased risk of hospitalization. A few studies reported decreased use of health care services in the PRT group. Finally, there were a few reports of serious adverse events (i.e. myocardial infarction or death) in the PRT group but there was no evidence that these events were directly associated with the intervention. There was also no evidence of increased risk of death in the PRT group when compared with the control group.

Comparison of PRT dosage

There are currently few randomized data available to guide the dose and prescription of PRT. Trials investigated different aspects of this issue were all small studies and most were of poor quality. When high intensity training was compared with low intensity training, data from 10 trials show that high intensity training has a greater effect on strength than lower intensity training. Among these 10 trials, three show that high intensity training has a greater effect on aerobic capacity. Eight of the 10 trials were healthy older people who participated in highly supervised, gym-based programmes. Therefore, it is not clear if high intensity PRT is more beneficial than low intensity training in less fit or healthy older people and/or in home or hospital based programmes. Limited evidence are available for exercise frequencies and sets.

PRT versus other training

Overall, no significant differences were found between the different types of training. When PRT is compared to aerobic training, PRT tended to produced larger gains in strength than aerobic training. However, these two types of training are not different in aerobic capacity. This finding is to be expected, given that the strength outcome is more specific to PRT. There are fewer data available to determine the comparative effect of these types of training on physical disability, but the available data suggest that the two training programmes have a similar effect on this outcome. There are too few data to draw conclusions about other forms of training such as balance or mobility training compared to PRT.

Authors' Conclusions

Implications for practice

Doing PRT two to three times a week can improve physical function in older adults, including reducing physical disability, some functional limitations (i.e. balance, gait speed, timed walk, timed ‘up-and-go’, chair rise; and climbing stairs) and muscle weakness in older people. Therefore, it would appear to be an appropriate intervention for many older people to improve performance of some simple physical tasks. The training also shows a reduction in pain in people with osteoarthritis. However, some caution is warranted with this intervention as in many studies adverse effects have been poorly monitored. Nonetheless, serious adverse events appear to be rare. When used in clinical practice, clinicians should monitor for adverse effects, particularly when older people who might be at higher risk of injury (i.e. frail or recently ill older people) are undertaking PRT. Additionally, there is no information regarding how long these effects can be maintained because the majority of the studies did not follow up the effect after the training had ended.

Implications for research

We recommend that future trials investigating the effect of PRT in older people should:

  • minimise bias by using concealed randomisation, blinded outcome assessors, intention-to-treat analysis and attention control groups;
  • recruit an adequate number of participants so that a precise estimate of the effect of the intervention can be determined (should have a priori power calculations);
  • include a careful assessment of adverse events in both treatment groups, so that both the benefits and risks of PRT are fully evaluated;
  • follow up participants after the programmes have completed to examine the long-term effects of PRT.

Future trials should include participants and interventions that are similar to those in health care settings (i.e. frail or recently ill older people), so that, if proven to be effective, resistance training can be incorporated into routine health care services. Well-designed trials are also required to determine the most appropriate dose of PRT to use with different participants and in different settings.

Table 1
Assessment of methodological quality scheme
Table 2
Quality rating of trials
Table 3
Functional or quality of life measures that could not be pooled
Table 4
Falls
Table 5
Adverse events

Plain Language Summary

Progressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults

Older people generally lose muscle strength as they age. This reduction in muscle strength and associated weakness means that older people are more likely to have problems carrying out their daily activities and to fall. Progressive resistance training (PRT) is a type of exercise where participants exercise their muscles against some type of resistance that is progressively increased as their strength improves. The exercise is usually conducted two to three times a week at moderate to high intensity by using exercise machines, free weights, or elastic bands. This review sets out to examine if PRT can help to improve physical function and muscle strength in older people.

Evidence from 121 randomised controlled trials (6,700 participants) shows that older people who exercise their muscles against a force or resistance become stronger. They also improve their performance of simple activities such as walking, climbing steps, or standing up from a chair more quickly. The improvement in activities such as getting out of a chair or stair climbing is generally greater than walking speed. Moreover, these strength training exercises also improved older people's physical abilities, including more complex daily activities such as bathing or preparing a meal. PRT also reduced pain in people with osteoarthritis. There was insufficient evidence to comment on the risks of PRT or long term effects.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the editorial team of the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group, particularly Lindsey Elstub, Lesley Gillespie, Joanne Elliott and Leeann Morton, for their assistance throughout the review process. In particular, thanks to Lesley and Joanne for searching the Cochrane registers and assistance with developing the search strategies. Thank you to Leeann and Lindsey for their advice and guidance about the procedures and content. We would also like to thank the Review Group's editors and the external referees, Prof John Campbell, Dr Keith Hill and Professor David Stott for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this review.

The reviewers would like to thank Craig Anderson, Derrick Bennett, and Caroline Stretton for their contribution for the first review. The reviewers also would like to thank the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDDR) for a post-doctoral fellowship to the first author (H133P001) through Boston University and Switzer research fellowship (H133F060030) and National Institute of Aging (P30 AG031679) to the second author for supporting the review update. In addition, the second author received support for this review through a Pepper Center Trainee award from Boston Pepper Center funded by the National Institute of Aging (1P30Ag031679-01).

Sources of Support

Internal sources

  • Health and Disability Research Institute, School of Public Health, Boston University, USA.
  • Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Inidana University at Indianapolis, USA.

External sources

  • NIDRR Post-doctoral Fellowship, grant # H133P001, USA.
  • NIDRR Switzer Research Fellowship, grant #H133F060030, USA.
  • National Institute of Aging, grant # P30 AG031679, USA.

Characteristics of Studies

Characteristics of included studies [ordered by study ID]

MethodsRCT (randomised controlled trial)
Method of randomisation: unclear
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 24
Sample: healthy, sedentary
Age: mean 70.4 years (SD 4)
Inclusion criteria: healthy, sedentary older people
Exclusion criteria: angina or electrocardiographic ischaemia during exercise test, resting BP >160/90, non-cardiopulmonary limitation of exercise capacity (i.e. claudication, arthritis, cerebrovascular disease)
InterventionsPRT (progressive resistance strength training) versus control
1. PRT
Type of exercises: 4 UL (upper limb), 3LL (lower limb)
Equipment: machines (Universal Gym)
Intensity: high (50-80% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: 8/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: instructed not to alter their home activity habits
OutcomesStrength (1 repetition maximum)
Peak aerobic capacityComments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: generated by statistician, concealed from investigators
Assessor blinding: blinded for primary measures, not for secondary (including strength)
Participant blinding: yes
Loss to follow-up: 2/46
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes for primary, no for secondary measures
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 46
Sample: older people with osteoarthritis. Recruited through community advertising
Age: mean 68 years (SD 6) in the treatment group
Inclusion criteria: age 55 or older, body mass index less than 40 kg/m2, pain on more than half the days of the past month and during activities and radiographic evidence of OA
Exclusion criteria: medical condition that precluded safe participation in an exercise program or was more limiting than OA, inflammatory OA, or had participated in any regular exercise program in the last 6 months
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2 functional exercises (squats and step-ups), 5 LL isotonic exercises
Equipment: velcro ankle weights (isotonic ex only)
Intensity: initially low (3-5 on Borg scale), progressed to 8 (“hard” on Borg scale)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: 12/2
Program duration: 16 weeks
Setting: home-based
Supervision: low (12 visits over 16 weeks)
Adherence: 84% (SD 27) of sessions
2. Control: given nutrition info, 7 home visits over 16 weeks, kept food logs 3/14 days
OutcomesPrimary: WOMAC pain and physical function subscales, SF-36
Secondary: Strength (1RM), clinical knee exam, nutrition, physical performance (stair climb, chair stand time)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA – Adequate
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 20
Sample: healthy older people
Age: mean 71 years (SD 1)
Inclusion criteria: older people aged 65-79, healthy (based on physical exam and blood tests)
Exclusion criteria: subjects who exercised regularly for > or = 2 days per week, women taking hormone replacement
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL, 3LL
Equipment: resistance training machines
Intensity: 50-80% 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: 8/3
Duration: 3 months
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesMuscle strength (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 18
Sample: obese, recently completed dietary program
Age: mean 61 years (SE 1)
Inclusion criteria: aged 55-70 years, a BMI before weight loss of > 32 kg/m squared, no signs, symptoms or history of heart disease, non-diabetic, non-smoker, resting blood pressure <160/90 mm Hg, no symptoms that would preclude safe participation in an exercise program
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL, 3LL
Equipment: machines (Universal Gym)
Intensity: 50-80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: 8/3
Program duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Aerobic Training Group: exercised 3 times per week on a motorised treadmill at approximately 50%of maximum aerobic uptake for 20-60 minutes per session
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Aerobic capacity
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: a computer generalized list
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: yes
Loss to follow-up: 4/44
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes for primary, no for secondary measures
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 40 (20 in each group)
Sample: healthy elderly
Age: mean 66.6 years
Inclusion criteria: not reported
Exclusion criteria: if participants general practitioners recommended against participation for health reasons or if for any reason they were unable to participate in a class situation
InterventionsPRT versus control (flexibility training)
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 6UL/6LL
Equipment: free weights
Intensity: based on perceived exertion scale “hard” to “very hard”
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8 reps/1 to 2 sets at the first two sessions; then 8 reps/2 to 3 sets
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: recreational clubs (Gyms)
Supervision: full by two fitness instructors
Adherence: not reported
2. Control group (flexibility training): mainly stretch for the major muscle groups and some light cardiovascular exercise, n = 22, mean age = 69.6 years
OutcomesPrimary: SF-36
Secondary: muscle strength (force-N/weight-N), sit to stand (seconds)
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData from PRT and flexibility training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: a computer generated algorithm stratified by the location of the facility
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 1/11 in PRT group
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 20 (11 in PRT)
Sample: frail older adults living in long-term care facility
Age: mean 88 years
Inclusion criteria: age greater than 65, residence at the facility longer than 3 months, and the ability to ambulate alone, with assistive devises or one caregiver
Exclusion criteria: unstable acute illness or chronic illness; an inability to follow a two-step command; and assaultive behavior pattern; or unwilling to discontinue any current physical therapy
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5LL
Equipment: soft ankle or wrist weights, therabands, weighted ball
Intensity: increased every week
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: increased from 5/1 to 10/2
Duration: 1 year (after 6 months the two groups switched program. the results extracted at the end of the first 6 months)
Setting: not reported, (Gym in the facility?)
Supervision: full by an exercise physiologist
Adherence: (80%-Ex group; 56%-control)
2. Control group: did activities such as painting, drawing, or puzzles with an art therapist or social worker,3 times a week
OutcomesPrimary: FIM, physical performance test
Secondary: TUAG, Berg balance scale
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesMeans and SDs at 12 months were not reported. Portion results at 6 months could be estimated from baseline score and change score. Because of small sample size, the precision is questionable
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 1/10 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 21 (11 in PRT)
Sample: community dwelling older females (with physical performance limitations??)
Age: mean 77.1 years (SD = 5.7)
Inclusion criteria: female sex, age of 70 and older, and a score between four and 10ontheShort Physical Performance Battery
Exclusion criteria: unstable acute or chronic medical conditions, a score less than 23 on the MMSE, or a neuromusculoskeletal condition interfering with exercise participation
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2UL/4LL with fast concentric phase
Equipment: weighted vest
Intensity: increased to the next level (increase 2% of the subject's baseline body mass) after 10 reps/3 sets
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: research center (Gym?)
Supervision: full
Adherence: 88 to 90 %
2. Control group: slow velocity and low resistance exercise with body or limb weight, 3 times a week
OutcomesPrimary: Short Physical Performance Battery (including chair rise)
Secondary: Muscle strength
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesPost mean = baseline + change score; baseline SD was used
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 4 groups: low intensity, medium intensity and high intensity and control group
Method of randomisation: not reported, stratified by gender
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: no
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Greece
N = 16 for each group (Control, LI, MI, & HI)
Sample: healthy but inactive elderly
Age: male-mean 70 years; female-mean 67 years
Inclusion criteria: inactive prior to the study, no anaemia, hepatic complications, thyroid disorders, and kidney problems
Exclusion criteria: hypertension or taking anti-hypertensive medication, didn't pass diagnostic treadmill test, didn't pass physician's screen
InterventionsPRT (low intensity, medium intensity, and high intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3 LL
Equipment: Universal machines
Intensity: LI-50% of 1 RM; MI-70% of 1 RM; HI-90% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: LI -12 to 14/3 ; MI-8 to 10 /3; HI-4 to 6 /3
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control group: no training
OutcomesMuscle strength
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesResults from males were extracted
Comparisons: low intensity versus high intensity, and high intensity versus control
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 1
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: France
N = 32
Sample: healthy older people
Age: mean 70 years
Inclusion criteria: elderly adults, free of cardiorespiratory and neurological diseases, sedentary to moderately active, passed screening procedure including medical history and physical examination
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1UL, 2LL
Equipment: weight machine (Marcy Vertex II)
Intensity: (80% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: 8/3
Program duration: 8 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: asked to maintain customary activities and dietary patterns
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Anthropometry
Hormones
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB – Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 18 in total (2 in high-guidance group, 10 in medium-guidance group, and 5 in controls, 1 was not mentioned)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Netherlands
N = 46 (24 in high-guidance group; 22 in control)
Sample: experiencing difficulty in chair rising
Age: mean = 80 years (SD = 6.7)
Inclusion criteria: experiencing difficulty in chair rising
Exclusion criteria: with a maximum knee-extensor torque of both legs exceeding 25 kg force; self-reported diseases that would be adversely affected by the exercises
InterventionsPRT Group (high-guidance) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex : LLs
Equipment: elastic bands
Intensity: increased to the next level after 8 reps/3sets
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: 8/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: welfare centers (Gym?)
Supervision: two supervised sessions/week by two physical therapists and one unsupervised home session/week
Adherence: 73% at group sessions and 90% at home sessions
2.Control group: no exercise training
OutcomesPrimary: disability measure (Groningen Activity Restriction Scale)
Secondary: muscle strength, timed walk, TUAG, balance test
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
BUT some changing of groups allowed before intervention began (husband/wives or people sharing rides changed groups)
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 85
Sample: healthy older adults, participants in community activities
Age: mean 72 years
Inclusion criteria: “community-dwelling older adults”, no symptoms of cardiovascular disease, consent from physician,
Exclusion criteria: depression (according to Beck Inventory), MMSE > 19, contraindications on sub maximal aerobic test
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3LL
Equipment: Nautilaus machines
Intensity: moderate-high (50-70% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/ sets: 8-12/3
Duration: 4 months
Setting: gym-based
Supervision: full
Adherence: 95%
2. Control Group: no intervention
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Physical Performance Test (PPT)-including chair rise performance
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 13/29 in the PRT group; 8/23 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 52 (29 in PRT)
Sample: community dwelling, diabetes
Age: mean 65.8 years (SD =7.6)
Inclusion criteria: not reported
Exclusion criteria: elevated blood glucose, depression, altered cognitive function, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and hypertension
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5LL
Equipment: Nautilus machine
Intensity: (50%, 60%, and 70% for set 1, 2, and 3 separately)
Frequency: Ex3 during the first 6 months, and Ex2 from month 7 to 24
Reps/Sets: 8-12 /3
Duration: 24 months
Setting: not reported, (Gym?)
Supervision: full
Adherence: > 85%
2. Control group: no training
OutcomesMuscle strength (1RM/body weight)
TUAG
50-foot walk
Walk up and down stairs
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: stratified by physical function scores of SF-36
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 5/30
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 30 (15 in each group)
Sample: disabled women with CHD
Age: mean 70.5 years (SD = 4)
Inclusion criteria: age > 65 years SF-36 physical function < 85 Had definite CHD
Exclusion criteria: hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome within 6 months, very low threshold angina, exercise-test limiting noncardiac comorbility, uncontrolled BP, sternal nonunion after coronary surgery, recent participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program, inflammatory arthritis, and dementia
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL, 3LL
Equipment: Universal weights and dumbbells
Intensity: high (80% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: required to be 75%
2. Control Group: 30 to 40 minutes of stretching, calisthenics, light yoga, and deep-breathing progressiverelaxation exercise
OutcomesPrimary: CS physical performance test, SF-36
Secondary: strength (1 RM), peak V02, 6-minute walk
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 18 (39 enrolled)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Demark
N = 21 (10 in PRT)
Sample: frail nursing home residents
Age: mean 88.6 years-PRT, 90.6 years-control
Inclusion criteria: not reported
Exclusion criteria: acute illness, hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, moderate/severe cognitiveimpairment, severe impairment of motor function, and neurological disorder
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2 LL
Equipment: training chair (Quadriceps Exercise Table)
Intensity: 50% to 80% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: nursing home facility (Gym?)
Supervision: full by a physiotherapist
Adherence: 84% for the PRT group, 97% for the control group
2. Control group: social activities, twice a week by an occupational therapist
OutcomesMuscle strength (1 RM)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT: with four groups: strength training alone, endurance training alone, strength and endurance training and control group
Method of randomisation: variation of randomly permuted blocks
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 4 (from PRT/control)
Intention to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: exercisers assessed at 9 months, all participants monitored for falls for median 1.42 years (max 2.35 years)
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 105 total (55 in PRT vs control)
Sample: older people with muscle weakness, recruited from primary care physicians in a HMO
Age: mean 75 years
Inclusion criteria: between 68 and 85 years of age; unable to do an eight-step tandem gait without errors; below the 50th percentile in knee extensor strength for the subject's height and weight
Exclusion criteria: active cardiovascular, pulmonary, vestibular and bone diseases; positive cardiac stress test; body weight >180% of ideal; major psychiatric illness; active metabolic diseases; chronic anemia; amputation; chronic neurological or muscle disease; inability to walk; dependency in eating, dressing transfer or bathing; inability to speak English or fill out written forms
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex : 2UL, 9LL, 1Tr
Equipment: machines (Cybex)
Intensity: high (set 1: 50-60% of 1RM; set 2: 75% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Program Duration: 24-26 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 95% excluding drop-outs; 81% including drop-outs
2. Control Group: maintained usual activity levels, allowed to join exercise program after 6 months
OutcomesAerobic capacity
Strength (isokinetic)
Balance
Gait
SF-36
Sickness Impact Profile
Lawton IADL scale
Stair climbing
Falls
Health care use
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData from PRT and control group were compared
Data from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB – Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 1/12-Tx, 1/12-Control
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N=24 (12 for each group)
Sample: people with COPD
Age: mean 68.9 years (SD=9.8)
Inclusion criteria: age 55 to 80 years, FEV1 of 60% predicted or less, and FEV1 to vital capacity ratio of 60% or less. Screening serum testosterone was 400 ng/dl or less
Exclusion criteria: significant cardiovascular or orthopedic impairments, body weight of less than 75% or more than 130% of ideal, symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostate cancer history, serum prostate specific antigen of more than 4 ?g/L, or hemoglobin of more than 16 ug/dl
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5 LL with eumetabolic diet
Equipment: not reported
Intensity: first 4 weeks, 60% of 1RM then increased to 80% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: first 4 weeks, 12/3 then increased to 8-10 /4
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: full by an exercise trainer
Adherence: at least 25 of 30 scheduled sessions
2. Control Group: no training
OutcomesMuscle strength
VO2max
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT both groups were also on a low-protein diet (run-in period for 6 weeks to evaluate this); comparison was between low-protein diet alone or low-protein diet plus resistance training
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: blind for all assessments except strength
Participant blinding: yes, sham-exercises
Loss to follow-up: no
Intention-to-treat analysis: not stated
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA N = 26
Sample: patients with moderate chronic renal insufficiency, recruited from nephrology clinics
Age: mean 65 years (SD 9)
Inclusion criteria: older than 50 years of age; serum creatinine concentrations between 133-422 umol/L (1.5 and 5.0 mg/dL); physician approval to follow a low protein diet; nephrologist confirmed diagnosis of chronic renal insufficiency
Exclusion criteria: myocardial infarction within the last 6 months; any unstable chronic condition; dementia; alcoholism; dialysis or previous renal; current resistance training; recent involuntary weight change (+/- 2kg); albumin level less than 30g/L; proteinuria greater than 10g/d; abnormal stress test on screening
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT plus low-protein diet
Type of Ex: 2UL, 3LL
Equipment: machines (Keiser)
Intensity: 80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym at research centre
Supervision: full
Adherence: 91%
2. Control Group: on low-protein diet; performed 5-8 sham exercises (gentle movements while standingsitting and bending) for upper and lower body
OutcomesStrength (1RM),
Peak oxygen consumption
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: yes
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 26 (14 in PRT)
Sample: chronic kidney disease but not on dialysis therapy
Age: mean 65 years (SD = 9)
Inclusion criteria: older than 50 years old with moderately severe chronic kidney disease and not on dialysis therapy, serum creatinine concentrations from 1.5 to 5.0 mg/dL and to be able to take a low protein diet
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex : 2UL/3 LL
Equipment: Keiser Sports Health Equipments
Intensity: 80% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: research center (Gym?)
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2.Control group: stretching and flexibility exercise
OutcomesMuscle strength (1 RM)
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesReported whole body muscle strength (data were not pooled)
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: block randomised and stratified by 2 levels of functioning
Assessor blinding: some measures
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 13
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow-up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 100
Sample: community-dwelling older people with functional limitations
Age: mean 77.6 years
Inclusion criteria: community-dwelling; aged 64 or above; unable to descend stairs step over step without holding onto the railing
Exclusion criteria: > or = 3 on Reuben's Advanced Activities of Daily Living; terminal illness (i.e. not expected to survive 6 months); severe unstable cardiac disease including MI in the past 6 months; severe fixed or progressive neurologic disease; complete blindness; lower extremity amputation; score below 18 on MM SE and unable to follow a 3-step command
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 8LL
Equipment: Theraband
Intensity: progressively increased (8 RM to 2 sets of 10RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: home-based
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: could begin exercise after 10 weeks, one friendly phone call at 5 weeks
OutcomesHRQoL (SF-36)
Lower limb strength (Cybex)
6-minute walk test
Chair rise
Functional reach
Falls Self-Efficacy (/100)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB- Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding : no
Loss to follow-up: 8
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow-up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 27
Sample: healthy, sedentary women
Age: mean 69 years
Inclusion criteria: aged 64-86; healthy; female, Palo Alto community
Exclusion criteria: pre-existing disability or illness that would preclude participation in a weight training program of moderate intensity
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 7LL
Equipment: weight training machines
Intensity: 65-75% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 6/3, increased to 6 sets for leg extension and press after 2 weeks
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 90% completed all sessions
2. Control Group: maintain normal activities, asked not to start an exercise program. Could undertaketraining at the end of the program. Contacted to make appointments/ maintain interest
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 4 groups: PRT, control, functional training, and combined training
Method of randomisation: the random allocation sequence was generated by computer by two independent students
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 21/57 in PRT; 22/60 in function-skills; 17/56 in combined training; 23/51 in controls
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes. Data analysed: 40 in PRT, 44 in function-skills, 44 in combined training, 31 in controls
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Netherlands
N = 108 (57 in PRT)
Sample: elders lived in long-term care facilities
Age: mean 81.3 (SD = 4.4)
Inclusion criteria: 1) aged 65 or older; 2) living in a nursing home or residential care facility; 3) able to walk 6 m or more (with or without a walking aid); 4) able to comprehend the study procedures; 5) no medical contraindication for study participation; 6) no rapidly progressive or terminal illness; 7) and not moving away from the home within the 6-months intervention period
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control, versus functional training, and versus combined training
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3UL/2LL
Equipment: TechnoGym equipment, dump bells and ankle/wrist weights
Intensity: high (60-80% of 1 RM)
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8-12/2
Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: long-term care facility (Gym?)
Supervision: full by a physical therapist and an assistant
Adherence: 78 %
2.Control group: mean age =81, educational program (group discussion about topics of interest)
3. Functional training group: N=60, mean age = 82 years, game-like or cooperative activities
4. Combined training group: N=56, mean age = 81 years, one strength training and one functional trainingper week
OutcomesPrimary: physical activities/ADL disability
Secondary: muscle strength, vitality plus scales, balance, gait speed, chair rise
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesComparisons: PRT versus control, PRT versus functional training
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 1
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 39
Sample: healthy, community-dwelling
Age: range 65-85 years
Inclusion criteria: aged 65-85, approval of physician, community residents
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL, 2LL
Equipment: Universal Hercules Gym Machine
Intensity: not specified, but progressed throughout
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Program Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: no active intervention
OutcomesStrength (number of reps at % of body weight)
Functional Fitness Assessment for adults >60
Agility Assessment (walking between cones)
Hand-eye co-ordination (“soda pop” test)
Grip strength
Physical Self-Efficacy Scale (PSE)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB – Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no, attention control group used
Loss to follow-up: 9
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 71
Sample: community-dwelling women, recruited through media-based promotion
Age: mean 68 years (SD 5.6)
Inclusion criteria: age 55+, living in retirement residential community, clearance from GP
Exclusion criteria: GP-identified contraindications to exercise
InterventionsPRT versus control
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL, 3LL
Equipment: Theraband
Intensity: low to moderate (4/10 on Borg scale)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 1 set, as many reps to reach 4/10 on Borg
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: gym, group-based
Supervision: full
Adherence: 88%
2. Control Group: attended all of the exercise sessions to allow social contact
OutcomesHRQoL (SF-36)
Strength (3RM)
Grip strength
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB – Unclear
MethodsRCT with 4 groups: high intensity, medium intensity, and low intensity, and control
Method of randomisation: computerized randomisation program, stratified by gender
Assessor blinding: only for tests at baseline
Participant blinding: blinded to the research hypothesis
Loss to follow-up: 12 (4-high intensity, 3-medium intensity, 3-low intensity, 2-control)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 28-HI; N = 28-MI; N = 28-LI; N = 28-control
Sample: independent living older adults
Age: mean 69 years
Inclusion criteria: > 60 years old, living independently in the community, willingness to be randomized and to commit to the study requirements
Exclusion criteria: participation in resistance/power training in the last 6 months, acute or terminal illness, had myocardial infarction in the past 6 months, unstable disease or physical status would interfere with exercise, limb amputation/fraction in the past 3 months, currently symptomatic hernias or hemorrhoids, or cognitive impairment
InterventionsPRT (high intensity, medium intensity, and low intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: rapid concentric and slow eccentric
Equipment: Keiser machines
Intensity: high (80% of 1RM), medium (50% of 1 RM), low (20% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 8-12 weeks (M = 10 weeks)
Setting: not reported
Supervision: Experienced exercise trainers
Adherence: > 90% for each training group
2. Control Group: maintain current level of activities
OutcomesDynamic muscle strength
Muscle power
Muscle endurance
Balance
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesInvolved power training
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and functional task exercise group
Method of randomisation: by computer using a random numbers table
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 6/34 in PRT group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Netherlands
N = 65 (34 in PRT)
Sample: community-dwelling older adults
Age: mean 74.8 years (SD = 4)
Inclusion Criteria: age over 70 years
Exclusion Criteria: recent fractures, unstable cardiovascular or metabolic disease, musculoskeletal condition or chronic illness, severe airflow obstruction, recent depression or emotional distress, loss of mobility for more than one week in the previous months, exercised at a sports club more than 3 times a week
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus functional task exercise
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL, 9LL
Equipment: weights, elastic tub
Intensity: 7-8 on a 10-point rated perceived exertion scale
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: a local leisure center
Supervision: at least two experienced instructors
Adherence: 74% (SD = 34.6%)
2. Control Group: to keep normal activity level
3. Functional task exercise group: N = 33, moving with a vertical component, moving with a horizontal component, carrying an object, and changing position between lying, sitting, and standing. Practice phase for 2 weeks, variation phase for 4 weeks, and daily tasks for 6 weeks
OutcomesPrimary: SF-36
Secondary: TUAG
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData of SF-36 were provided by the trial authors
Data from PRT and functional training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported-stratified by gender and strength
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 8/21 in control; 5/18 in fixed repetition group; 4/21 in periodised group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 18-fixed repetition; N = 21-periodised repetition; N = 21-control
Sample: independent and community dwelling older adults
Age: fixed repetition, mean 71.4 years (SD = 5.4); periodised, mean = 70.6 years (SD = 4.7)
Inclusion Criteria: no previous background in resistance training
Exclusion Criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT (fixed repetition and periodised repetition) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL/3LL
Equipment: Flex machines
Intensity: fixed repetition-9 RM; periodised-week 1 to 6, 15 RM; week 7 to 12, 9 RM; week 13 to 18, 6 RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: fixed repetition-9/3; periodised-week 1 to 6, 15/2; week 7 to 12, 9/3; week 13 to 18, 6/4
Duration: 18 weeks
Setting: training facility (Gym?)
Supervision: full by trainers
Adherence: fixed repetition group 77%; periodised group 62%
2. Control group: maintain current recreational activities
OutcomesMuscle strength (1 RM)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: a table of random numbers
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 9 for each group
Sample: see below
Age: mean = 77.3 years (SD = 0.7)
Inclusion criteria: convenience sample from Academic Health Care Center
Exclusion criteria: participated in a strength-training programme within 6 months, pre-existing orthopaedic complications that would have affected any of the exercise, cardiac and respiratory conditions
InterventionsPRT (once a week versus twice a week)
Type of Ex: 3UL/ 3LL
Equipment: Cybex machines
Intensity: high (75% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex2 versus Ex1
Reps/Sets: 10-15 /1 for each exercise
Duration: 9 weeks Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesDate from 2 times a week and one time a week were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT, factorial design (comparison of floor surface types not included here)
Method of randomisation: randomised envelopes
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 22
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: UK
N = 58
Sample: hospitalised older people
Age: mean 81 years
Inclusion criteria: admitted to elderly care rehabilitation ward from Feb to Sept 1996, consent from patient and carers
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2 LL
Equipment: not reported
Intensity: high (maximum weight the patient could manage)
Frequency: twice daily
Reps/Sets: 10/3
Program duration: not reported (length of hospital stay)
Setting: hospital
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: regular in-hospital daily physiotherapy
OutcomesFalls (during hospital stay)
Barthel Index (ADL measure)
Strength (hand-held dynamometer, hand-grip strength)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT, PRT vs moderate aerobic exercise
Method of randomisation: randomised, with subjects blocked for gender and residence
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to Follow-up: 3
Intention-to-treat analyses: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 43
Sample: independent community volunteers
Age: mean 77 years (SD 5) in PRT group
Inclusion criteria: age greater than 70 years; score of 8 or higher on the Short Physical Performance Battery; ability to travel (by using public or private transportation) to the retirement community where exercise sessions were held; willingness to attend exercise sessions for 12 weeks
Exclusion criteria: myocardial infarction in the past 6 months; heart failure (New York Heart Association classification <1); angina with moderate activity; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or shortness of breath while walking at a normal pace; stroke with residual motor deficits; poorly controlled hypertension (>174mmHg systolic, >100mmHg diastolic); cancer with chemotherapy or radiation in the past year; physical performance limited by arthritis; on any of the following medications: neuroleptics, oral steroids, testosterone or growth hormones
InterventionsPRT versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2 LL; also did step-ups, chair rises and plantar flexion exercises in standing
Equipment: Pneumatic resistance machines
Intensity: high for leg press- started at 50% of 1RM, increased by 10% during each week of training; moderate for other exercises
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym at retirement center
Supervision: full
Adherence: 90%
2. Aerobic training group: moderate intensity exercise 30 minutes daily, 6 days weekly
OutcomesShort physical performance battery (SPPB)
Balance (semi-tandem stance, single leg stance)
Chair rise (5)
8-foot walk
Aerobic capacity (6-minute walk)
Muscle strength
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB- Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, aerobic training and health education (attention control)
Method of randomisation: stratified, variable block randomisation, computer generated
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: attention control group used
Loss to follow-up: 75 total (48 from PRT and control group) at 18 months
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: participants followed after initial supervised sessions (3 months) to home-based sessions (3-18 months)
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 439 total (295 in PRT versus control)
Sample: community-dwelling people with osteoarthritis resulting in functional limitation
Age: mean 68 years (SD 6) in PRT group
Inclusion criteria: age 60 years or more, pain on most days in 1 or more knees, difficulty with at least 1 of the following due to knee pain: walking a quarter mile, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, lifting and carrying groceries, getting out of bed, getting out of the bathtub or performing shopping, cleaning or self-care activities; radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis in the tibial-femoral compartment.
Exclusion criteria: person has a medical condition that precluded safe participation in the exercise program or prevented completion of the study (myocardial infarction or stroke in the past 3 months, evidence of ischemia during the exercise treadmill test, congestive heart failure, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, active treatment for cancer, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin less than 110g/L, creatinine greater than 176.8 umol/L, severe systemic disease or major psychiatric disease), inflammatory arthritis (i.e., rheumatoid or psoriatic), exercised regularly (defined as aerobic activity or resistance training more than 1 time per week for 20 minutes or longer), planned to move from the area or be admitted to a long-term care facility in the next 2 years; unable to walk at least 420 feet in 6 minutes without a cane or assistive device; unable to walk on a treadmill without an assistive device; participating in another research study; resided in a long-term care facility
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL, 4LL, 1Tr
Equipment: cuff-weights, dumb bells
Intensity: moderate to high (2 sets of 12 reps max)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 12/2
Duration: 78 weeks
Setting: facility-based group for 3 months, then home- based for 15 months
Supervision: high for gym-based, telephone contact and visits during home based phase (diminishing contact over time)
Adherence: 70% at 18 months
2. Control Group: health education program (meetings and telephone contact)
3. Aerobic Training Group: walking program for 40 minutes 3 times per week at 50-70% of HR reservegroup facility based for 3 months then home-based for 15 months (same contact as PRT)
OutcomesPrimary: self-report physical disability (23 item scale developed for use in this trial)
Secondary: 6 minute walk test, stair climbing, lifting object, timed task in and out of car, graded sub maximal aerobic treadmill test, strength (isokinetic dynamometer), knee x-rays, knee pain
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and aerobic group
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: N/A
Post-program follow-up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 30 (15 in each group)
Sample: highly active and functioning women
Age: mean 73 years (SD = 3)
Inclusion criteria: not reported
Exclusion criteria: dementia screened by MMSE, did not meet the criteria of the American College of Sports Medicine, the presence of activity-limiting arthritis; being bedridden within 3 months of the study; the presence of central or peripheral nervous system disorders, stroke, acute or chronic infection, major affective disorder, human immunodeficiency virus infection or autoimmune disorders, or metabolic disorders (type I diabetes mellitus); being a smoker or smokeless tobacco user; participating in regular aerobic or resistance training within the previous 3 months; using oral steroids or medications known to have an effect on blood lipids except hormone replacement therapy; having surgery within the previous 3 months; and consuming caffeine in excess of the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee per day
InterventionsPRT versus control and aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 7 LL
Equipment: not reported
Intensity: 8RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: > 95 %
2. Control Group: maintain normal activity level
3. Aerobic training group: stretching and walking exercise at 70% heart rate reserve, duration increasedfrom 20 minutes to 30 minutes through out the program
OutcomesMuscle strength (1RM)
1-minet walk (no data available for the PRT group)
VO2 max
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesComparisions: PRT versus control, and PRT versus aerobic
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and aerobic group
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow-up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Greece
N = 8 in each group
Sample: inactive elder men
Age: mean 71.8 years (SD = 2.5)
Inclusion criteria: completely inactive prior to the study, VO2 max below 25 ml/kg/min, no anemia, hepatic complications, thyroid disorders or kidney problems, normal blood pressure
Exclusion criteria: respiratory complications or BP > 240/110 mmHg during the exercise test
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic (cardiovascular training)
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5 UL/3 LL
Equipment: Universal resistance exercise machines
Intensity: Week 1-4 (55%-60% of 1 RM); Week 5-8 (60%-70% of 1 RM); week 9-12 (70%-80% of 1 RM); week 13-16 (80% of 1 RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: Week 1-4 (12-14/2); Week 5-8 (10-12/3); week 9-12 (8-10/3); week 13-16 (8/3)
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: required the participants not miss more than 4 training sessions,
2. Control Group: no exercise
3. Cardiovascular training group: walking, jogging on a treadmill, the intensity was increased through out the training
OutcomesMuscle strength (1 RM)
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: high intensity PRT, low intensity PRT, and control
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: N/A
Post-program follow-up: yes
ParticipantsLocation: Greece
N = 18 (LI); N = 20 (HI); N = 14 (control)
Sample: inactive older adults
Age: HI-mean 72.4 years (SD = 3.5); LI-mean 70.3 years (SD = 4.4)
Inclusion criteria: at least 65 years of age, inactive before the study, free from health problems and potentially damaging orthopedic, neuromuscular, metabolic, and cardiovascular limitations
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT (high intensity and low intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5 UL/3LL
Equipment: Universal machines
Intensity: low- 55% of 1RM; high- 82% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: low intensity: 14-16/2 (after week 8, 3 sets), high intensity: 6-8 /2 (after week 8, 3 sets)
Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: Full
Adherence: 98%
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesMuscle strength
VO2max
TUAG
Step climbing
50-feet walk
Comments on adverse comments: yes
NotesData from high intensity and low intensity PRT group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT, factorial design (comparison of nutritional supplements versus placebo not considered here)
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: for some assessments, not for all
Participant blinding: no, but recreational activities offered to control group (? quantity)
Loss to follow-up: 6 total (4 in PRT and control groups)
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: falls monitored median 1.53 years, max 4.11 years
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 51 in PRT vs control
Sample: residents of a long term care facility for older people
Age: mean 87.1 years (SE 0.6)
Inclusion criteria: residential status, age over 70 years, ability to walk 6m
Exclusion criteria: severe cognitive impairment; rapidly progressive or terminal illness, acute illness or unstable chronic illness; myocardial infarction; fracture of a lower extremity within the six months before the study; insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; on a weight-loss diet or undergoing resistance training at the time of enrolment; tests of muscle strength revealed a musculoskeletal or cardiovascular abnormality
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2LL
Equipment: weight training machines
Intensity: high (80% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/sets: 8/3
Program duration: 10 weeks
Setting: nursing home
Supervision: full
Adherence: 97%
2. Control Group: engaged in 3 activities of their choice offered by recreational therapy
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Gait speed
Stair climbing power
Anthropometric measurements
Physical activity (leg monitors)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no, but control group received weekly phone calls
Loss to follow-up: 4
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 34
Sample: frail older people
Age: mean 82 years
Inclusion criteria: community dwelling older people, moderate to severe functional impairment
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 11 total to UL and LL
Equipment: arm and leg weights
Intensity: high
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: not reported
Program Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: home-based
Supervision: low - 2 weeks of home instruction, then phone calls
Adherence: 90%
2. Control Group: weekly phone calls
OutcomesStrength
Gait velocity
Self-reported activity level
Attitude towards Ageing on the PGC Morale Scale
Bed days
Falls
Health care visits
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 3/15 in high velocity group, 2/15 in low velocity group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 30 (15 in high velocity, 15 in low velocity)
Sample: community dwelling elderly with self reported disability
Age: high velocity-mean 73.2 years (SD = 1.2); low velocity-mean 72.1 years (SD = 1.3)
Inclusion criteria: at least of 65 years of age, community dwelling, could walk with or without an assistive device, reported 2 or more deficits on the physical function subscale of SF-36
Exclusion criteria: acute or terminal illness, myocardial infarction in the past 6 months, unstable cardiovascular disease or other medical condition, upper extremities or lower extremities fractures in the past 6 months, amputations, cognitive impairments, current participations in regular exercise sessions, and unwilling to be randomised
InterventionsPRT (high velocity versus low velocity)
Type of Ex: 2LL, leg press & knee extension
Equipment: machines (Keiser pneumatic resistance training equipment)
Intensity: high velocity group-70% of 1 RM, extension as fast as possible during concentric phase, then maintain full extension for 1 second, and eccentric phase of each repetition over 2 seconds; low velocity group- extension concentric phase, maintain full extension, and eccentric phase of each repetition 2, 1, 2 seconds
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: human physiology lab
Supervision: exercise trainers
Adherence: 95% for high velocity group, 94% for low velocity group
OutcomesMuscle strength
Chair rise
Stair climbing
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesNo reported results can be pooled (missing M and SD for each group)
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 29
Sample: healthy older women
Age: mean 73 years
Inclusion criteria: older community-dwelling women
Exclusion criteria: dementia, exclusion criteria of the American College of Sports Medicine, arthritis, bedridden within 3 months of the study, central or peripheral nervous system disorders, stroke, use of antidepressant medications, acute or chronic infection, major affective disorder, human immunodeficiency virus infection or autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders (type I diabetes mellitus), oral steroid use, cigarette or smokeless tobacco use, regular aerobic or resistance training within previous 3 months, surgery within the previous 3 months, caffeine consumption in excess of four cups of coffee per day, adequate flexibility and mobility (screened with performance tests)
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 8 LLEquipment: not reportedIntensity: high (70-80% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/sets: 8/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: asked to maintain their normal activity level
OutcomesStrength (1RM - ? data collected for controls)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: a computer generated randomisation list generated by person external to the study as was managed by an external department
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 3/35 in the gym group, 3/35 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 70 (35 in each group)
Sample: community living adults with OA of the hip or knee
Age: mean 69.8 years (SD = 9.2)
Inclusion criteria: read, write, and speak English, could give informed consent, and provide transport to attend the training sessions
Exclusion criteria: had received physiotherapy or hydrotherapy in the past 6 weeks, attending community exercise classes; joint replacement surgery within the past 12 months or the next 12 weeks; and cognitive impairment
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1UE/4 LL
Equipment: weighted gaiters
Intensity: 10 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: not reported
Duration: 6 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 75 %
2. Control Group: telephone calls to record any changes in their condition drug use or injuries
OutcomesPrimary: SF-12, Adelaide Activities profile, WOMAC
Secondary: muscle strength, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Questionnaire
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: N/A
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 14 (7 in each group)
Sample: community-dwelling healthy women
Age: mean 73.7 years (SD = 3.4)
Inclusion criteria: not involved in regular exercise
Exclusion criteria: had conditions that could interfere with neuromuscular function
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: knee extensors/flexors, each leg was trained separately
Equipment: Keiser Sports Health Equipment
Intensity: (80% of 1 RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/4
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 98%
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesMuscle strength (1RM, isokinetic strength of knee extension)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemsAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 4/16 in 1-set PRT group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 16 for each group
Sample: community dwelling elderly
Age: 1-set PRT group-mean 68.9 years (SD=4.8); 3-set PRT group-mean 69.7 years (SD=4.4)
Inclusion criteria: not reported
Exclusion criteria: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological disorder; PRT in the previous 12 months, inability to undertake upper and lower limb ex. or walk less than 100 meters; unwilling to undertake 20 weeks of training
InterventionsPRT (3-set versus 1-set)
Type of Ex: 4UL/3LL
Equipment: Strength Fitness Equipment
Intensity: 8 RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8/3 versus 8/1
Duration: 20 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: full
Adherence: All completed 40 training sessions (make-up sessions were provided)
OutcomesMuscle strength (1 RM)
Chair rise
6-minute walk
Stair climbing
400-m-walk
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes3-set PRT versus 1-set PRT
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 4
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 22
Sample: untrained but physically active older men
Age: mean 63.7 years
Inclusion criteria: male, aged 60-75, physically active but not engaged in resistance training
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3 LL
Equipment: machines
Intensity: high (85-90% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 6-8/3
Program Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 100%
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Peak aerobic capacity
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 2/19 in LI (2 sets of 15 RM); 1/18 in HI (4 sets of 6 RM)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N: HI = 18; LI = 19
Sample: independent community dwelling older adults
Age: HI- mean =69.4 years (SD = 4.4); LI- mean =71.4 years (SD = 4.6)
Inclusion criteria: independent and community dwelling; no previous background in resistance training
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT (high intensity versus low intensity)
Type of Ex : 3LL/5UL
Equipment: Flex machines
Intensity: HI-6RM; LI-15RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets:HI-6 /4; LI-15 /2
Duration: 18 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: full by trainers
Adherence: 85.4%
OutcomesMuscle strength
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesNo numerical results for the control group
Date from high intensity PRT and low intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: matched according to combined leg press and bench press strength scores, then randomly assigned
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 4
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 22
Sample: healthy older men
Age: mean 68 years (SD 3)
Inclusion criteria: aged 61 -76; no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease or hypertension; normal resting electrocardiograms; normal electrocardiographic response to graded treadmill exercise; not requiring or using cardiovascular medications; no regular participation in endurance or RT; absence of cerebrovascular or orthopaedic disability that would limit RT
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL, 3LL
Equipment: machines
Intensity: 60-80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 3/10
Duration: 16 weeks Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 97% attended
2. Control Group: continued normal activities
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and aerobic group
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: yes for echocadiograms
Loss to follow-up: no
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = ? (did not report sample size for each group)
Sample: women
Age: mean = 70 years (SD = 4)
Inclusion criteria: a) no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease; b) normal resting electrocardiogram (ECG); c) normal ECG response to graded exercise; d) no requirement or use of cardiovascular medications; e) no regular participation in AT and/or ST; and f) absence of any cerebrovascular or orthopedic disability that would limit exercise training.
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3LL/5UL
Equipment: not reported
Intensity: 50% of 1RM and increased 2.5% per week until 75% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control group: continue normal daily activities
3. Aerobic training: cycle exercise at 60-80% of heart rate reserve
OutcomesMuscle strength
Absolute VO2peak
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notessample size for each group was not reported.
12 weeks of strength training is as effective as 12 weeks of aerobic training for increasing relative VO2peak, however, strength training is more effective than aerobic training for improving overall muscle strength
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT trial with 4 groups: PRT alone, growth hormone treatment alone, PRT and growth hormone treatment and control. Only PRT alone and control are included in this review
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 16 in PRT and control
Sample: frail older people
Age: mean 71.3 years (SD 4.5)
Inclusion criteria: frail which was defined as scoring between 12 and 28 on Reuben's Physical Performance Test;
Exclusion criteria: medical conditions (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, recent fracture, carpal tunnel syndrome) that would interfere with administration of growth hormone or the performance of regular exercise 3 times per week; did not expect to spend a year in Rhode Island; their doctor convinced them not to participate for medical reasons or otherwise; unwilling to inject the drug and be randomised to exercise or no exercise
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 11 exercises (UL & LL)
Equipment: ankle and wrist weights and exercise equipment
Intensity: increased from 20% to 95% of 1 RM-most training was at high intensity
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 25 weeks
Setting: gym (in study facilities or local community centers)
Supervision: Full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesStrength (isokinetic dynamometry)
Physical Performance Test (PPT)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to Follow-up: 1
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 20
Sample: healthy older men, recruited through newspaper advertisement
Age: mean 68.3 years (se 1.1)
Inclusion criteria: male, aged 65-74
Exclusion criteria: positive Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, abnormal ECG or blood pressure response, musculoskeletal impairment
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5LL
Equipment: cuff weights
Intensity: high (6RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 6/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: usual level of activity
3. Aerobic Training Group: intermittent walking on treadmill until pain subsided, 3 times per week
OutcomesPeak VO2
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, walking (aerobic training) and control
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 2
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 29 (19 in PRT versus control)
Sample: people who have peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication Age: mean 67 years
Inclusion criteria: intermittent claudication (disabling but stable for 3 months prior to enrolment); peripheral arterial disease
Exclusion criteria: leg pain at rest, ischemic ulceration, gangrene, unable to walk on the treadmill at a speed of at least 2mph; exercise capacity limited by symptoms of angina, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis; diabetes; vascular surgery or angioplasty in the past year
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5LL
Equipment: cuff weights
Intensity: high (6RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 6/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: usual level of activity
3. Aerobic Training Group: intermittent walking on treadmill until pain subsided, 3 times per week
OutcomesStrength (Cybex dynamometer)
Peak Vo2
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: High-intensity PRT, Low-intensity PRT and Control
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 3
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 30 total (20 in high-intensity PRT versus control)
Sample: healthy older people
Age: mean 72 years (SD 4.7)
Inclusion criteria: older men and women, healthy, had not exercised more than once a week in the previous 3 years, approval of GP
Exclusion criteria: more than two risk factors for coronary artery disease; a history of falls, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or orthopaedic or neurological conditions (i.e. stroke); took medications that cause dizziness or slow movement; smoked; had a BMI greater than 28 kg/m squared; blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg or a heart condition
InterventionsPRT (high intensity and low intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1 LL
Equipment: machine
Intensity: HI - 80% 1RM; LI - 40% 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: HI: 4-6/5; LI: 8-12/5
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 98%
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesForce accuracy and steadiness
Maximal strength (Cybex)
Comments on adverse events: no (not identified as such)
NotesDate from high intensity PRT and low intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: in a lottery format, 2:1 ratio
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 2/20 in PRT group, 3/10 in control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Program-post follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 30 (20 in PRT)
Sample: frail older adults (residents of a long-term care facility)
Age: mean 84.9 years (SD = 4.8)
Inclusion criteria: able to follow directions and walk across the room; no recent history of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, systemic, muscular, or uncontrolled metabolic disease
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex : LLs
Equipment: Therabands
Intensity: Increasing repetitions, sets, and speed, 20 minutes class progressed to an hour
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 4-8/1
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: long-term care facility
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 71%
2. Control Group: maintain usual daily activities
OutcomesTUAG
Chair stand
6-meter walk
Muscle strength
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with people randomised to variable intensity resistance training and high-intensity resistance training
NOTE: control group participants were not randomly assigned, and are not included in this review
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 2
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 28
Sample: healthy male and female volunteers over 60
Age: mean 67.4 years in high intensity group
Inclusion criteria: normal body mass index, free of metabolic disorders or medications that might affect energy expenditure, non-smokers, stable weight
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT (high versus variable resistance) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5 UL, 2LL, 2 Tr
Equipment: resistance training machines
Intensity: high intensity group: 80% of 1RM; variable resistance group: 50%, 65%, 80% of 1RM across the 3 training days each week
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Duration: 25 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: not randomly assigned, not included in this review
OutcomesStrength (1RM and isometric)
Perceived exertion and HR during daily tasks
Submaximal aerobic capacity
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesDate from high intensity PRT and variable intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: N/A
Post-program follow-up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Spain
N = 10 in PRT, N = 11 in endurance training
Sample: healthy men
Age: mean 64.8 years (SD = 2.6)
Inclusion criteria: had not participated in regular resistance/endurance training or competitive sports for the last 5 years
Exclusion criteria: cardiovascular, neuromuscular, arthritic, pulmonary, other debilitating diseases
InterventionsPRT versus endurance training (aerobic)
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4LL/3UL
Equipment: resistance machines (Technogym)
Intensity: first 8 weeks, 50-70% of 1 RM; last 8 weeks, 70-80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: first 8 weeks: 10-15/3; last 8 weeks: 5-6/3-5
Duration: 16 weeks + 4 weeks for baseline testing
Setting: training facility
Supervision: full by researchers
Adherence: at least 90% to be considered compliant and remain in the study
2. Endurance training group: mean age =68.2 years, endurance cycling at 60 rpm, the work-rate level wasincreased or decreased accordingly
OutcomesMuscle strength (1RM-half squat)
Cycling test
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 9
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 102
Sample: non-disabled community-dwelling older people
Age: mean 72 years
Inclusion criteria: non-disabled, community dwelling, aged 65 and over; clearance from GP
Exclusion criteria: significant coronary artery disease, angina, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, or significant or new onset rhythm disturbance; neurological disorders with residual deficit; renal failure requiring dialysis; recent cancer with active chemotherapy or radiation treatment; uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes or seizure disorders; recent fracture; legal blindness; major mobility limitations; failed exercise safety evaluation (i.e. resting heart rate greater than 120 bpm, resting systolic/ diastolic great than 165/100 or less than 80/50, or failed treadmill test; English speaking; have access to a VCR or willing and able to use one provided by the study
InterventionsPRT versus control
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 10 exercises to the UL, LL and Tr
Equipment: Theraband
Intensity: low to moderate
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/1
Duration: 12-15 weeks
Setting: home-based
Supervision: low
Adherence: mean 58%, median 71%
2. Control Group: continued with normal activities, on a waiting list for exercises
OutcomesStrength (Cybex isokinetic dynamometer)
Psychological well-being (Profile of Mood States battery)
SF-36
Comments on adverse events: no (not identified as such)
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: randomly permuted blocks by size 4, assigned by a staff member not involved in data collection
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 15 at 6 months
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no, but 6 months of exercise
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 215
Sample: older adults with disabilities
Age: PRT group mean 75.4 years (SD 7.4)
Inclusion criteria: aged 60 years or over; limitations in at least one of 9 functional areas
Exclusion criteria: medical history that contained current treatment for cancer, kidney disease requiring dialysis, recent fracture, uncontrolled diabetes or seizures, regular use of a wheelchair, current rehabilitation care, current fainting or dizzy spells, sudden loss of coordination or legal blindness or physician identified contraindications to exercise
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 11 exercises to UL, LL and Tr
Equipment: Theraband
Intensity: low-moderate
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10 reps
Duration: 6 months
Setting: home-based
Supervision: low
Adherence: 89%
2. Control Group: on a waiting list
OutcomesStrength (hand-held dynamometer)
Balance (functional reach, unilateral stance, tandem stance)
TUAG
Profile of Mood States
Sickness Impact Profile 68
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
Jones 1994
MethodsRCT: (note: data reported by dominant and non-dominant leg. Data for dominant leg used in analyses)
Method of randomisation: not stated
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 4
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 46
Sample: women from a community senior center
Age: mean 67.4 years
Inclusion criteria: female, from a community senior centre, age>60, independently ambulatory
Exclusion criteria: unstable cardiovascular disease, orthopaedic or neurological dysfunction, any other uncontrolled chronic conditions that would interfere with the safety and conduct of the training protocol
InterventionsPRT versus control
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 7 LL
Equipment: velcro leg weights
Intensity: started low, progressed to moderate
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 3 of 14 by end of program
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: group at local community centre (2 days/week) and home (1 day/week)
Supervision: full in group, none at home
Adherence: 86-93%
2. Control Group: no intervention - contacted to monitor health and activity level
OutcomesStrength and muscular endurance (isokinetic dynamometer)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, aerobic training and control
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: no
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 40 total (n = 26 in PRT and control)
Sample: healthy, active older people
Age: 69.2 years (SD = 0.6)
Inclusion criteria: healthy (screened with physical exam, exercise testing), physically active, not engaged in PRT or aerobic training before this study
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1LL, 2 UL
Equipment: resistance training machines
Intensity: phase 1-60-70% of 1RM; phase 2-70-85% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: phase 1: 10-15/3; phase 2: 4-8/ 3-5
Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 94.2% attendance
2. Control Group: continued normal activities, asked not to begin PRT or aerobic training during thetrial
3. Aerobic Training Group: training began at 60% heart rate reserve for 10-20 minutes, progressed to 80-85% HR reserve for a total of 40 minutes, three times per week
OutcomesMuscle size
Energy and fibre properties
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with factorial design: PRT alone, balance training alone, PRT and balance, control
Method of randomisation: balance block design (blocks of 4 subjects)
Assessor blinding: yes
Patient blinding: no, but control group received educational sessions
Loss to follow-up: 3 from PRT and control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: yes, monitored for 6 months after intensive program while participants undertook tai chi. Falls monitored for median 0.88 years, max 1.86 years
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 110 total (55 in PRT vs control)
Sample: ambulatory older people from voter registration list
Age: mean 80 years
Inclusion criteria: age 75 years or greater, the ability to walk without an assistive device for 8 meters, MMSE >24
Exclusion criteria: symptomatic cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled hypertension (>160/96), history or physical findings of focal neurological deficit, Parkinson disease, peripheral neuropathy of the legs, hip or knee joint replacement, hip fracture, cancer (metastatic or under active treatment), taking neuroleptic, prednisolone > 5mg/day, benzodiazepines, significant hip or knee arthritis that requires a cane for ambulation
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 6 LL
Equipment: cuff-weights and exercise machines
Intensity: 60-75% for exercises with machines; low to moderate for other
Frequency: 3 times per week
Reps/Sets: 3 sets to failure with machines; 13/2 with sandbags; 10/2 with body weight
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: group exercise
Supervision: full
Adherence: 82%
2. Control group: 5 education sessions
3. Balance training: 3 times per week, 45 minute sessions, one-on-one with exercise leader includingbalance platform and floor-based exercises (eyes open and closed on different surfaces, with pertubationsand base of support changes)
OutcomesStrength (isokinetic dynamometer)
Side effects of training (musculoskeletal or neurologic complaints)
Gait velocity
Chair rise
Balance
Comments on adverse events: yes (a priority outcome of study)
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 1 in the high resistance group, 1 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Greece
N = 12- HI; N = 12-MI; N = 11-control
Sample: healthy, inactive but independent living older adults
Age: HI-mean 64.6 years (SD = 5.1); MI-mean 65.7 years (SD = 4.2)
Inclusion criteria: non smokers, free of medication, no symptoms of cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neuromuscular disease, and physically inactive before
Exclusion criteria: MMSE < 24, depression (GDS > 5)
InterventionsPRT (high intensity and moderate intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL/2 LL
Equipment: Universal gym machines
Intensity: high intensity group: 80% of 1 RM; moderate intensity group: 60% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3 for high intensity group; 15/3 for moderate intensity group
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 98.5%
2. Control Group: no exercise
OutcomesMuscle strength (1-RM)
6-min walk
Chair rise
Vertical jump
1-leg standing time,
Walking speed
Stair climb
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and aerobic group
Method of randomisation: manually perform by drawing lots
Assessor blinding: No
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 4 in PRT group, 3 in endurance group (aerobic)
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes done at the 30th month
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Finland
N = 27 (16 in PRT)
Sample: elder women
Age: range 76-78 years
Inclusion criteria: no severe diseases or functional impairments
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic (Note: participants in all groups were given 600mg calcium per day)
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL, 4LL
Equipment: resistance training machines
Intensity: high - completed 8RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Program Duration: 2 years
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 74%
2. Control Group: non-exercise group
3. Aerobic Fitness Group: N = 15; 3 sessions per week, performed same exercises as PRT group but withno resistance, plus added stationary cycling for 40 second stations
OutcomesPeakVO2
Peak Power
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: by a block design
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: yes
Loss to follow-up: 4/19- placebo + ex; 1/17- placebo only
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 26 (19 in PRT)
Sample: men with relative testosterone insufficiency, sedentary and community dwelling
Age: mean 72 years (SD = 5.4)
Inclusion criteria: a single fasting serum free-testosterone value < 14.5 pg/ml and BMI is between 18-32; sedentary status
Exclusion criteria: clinically unstable coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis of the lower extremity that could limit ambulation, clinically significant benign prostatic hypertropy (BPH), prostate cancer, an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, hematocrit>52%, disorders known to affect body composition including hypokalemia, renal insufficiency, liver dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism,
alcoholism, thromoboembolic disease or coagulopathy, supraphysiologic glucocorticoid medication during the previous 12 months, androgen medications including supplements during the past 5 years, clinically significant psychiatric disease, or known pituitary disease, or radiation of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 11 resistance exercises adapted from the Strong for Life video
Equipment: elastic bands
Intensity: used the next level of elastic band when the perceived exertion was less than moderate
Frequency: 3 to 4 times a week
Reps/Sets: 10/1
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: home
Supervision: returned for an out-patient visit every two weeks and phone calls
Adherence: 90%
2. Control Group: non exercise intervention
OutcomesSF-36
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 3/9 in the ex group; 2/9 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Denmark
N = 18 (9 in each group)
Sample: home-dwelling elder men with COPD
Age: mean 71 years (SD = 1.3)
Inclusion criteria: can transport to the hospital
Exclusion criteria: fractures of the lower extremities within the last 6 months, neurological disease, cardiovascular diseases, dependence on more than one walking device and cognitive dysfunction
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3 LL
Equipment: Technogym
Intensity: 80% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8/4
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: full
Adherence: extending the training period until a total of 24 training sessions were finished
2. Control Group: daily non-supervised breathing ex
OutcomesPrimary: simple ADL (interview)
Secondary: forced expiratory volume, muscle strength (5 RM), gait speed, timed stair climbing
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: a computer-generated table
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: NA
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 15 (6 in PRT)
Sample: community dwelling elders with disability
Age: mean 70.4 years (SD = 6.5)
Inclusion criteria: at least 60 years of age, cognitive intactness, ambulate independently more than 15 feet, had more than one lower-limb impairment, and have more than one functional limitation on SF-36
Exclusion criteria: terminal illness, progressive neurological disease, major loss of vision, and acute pain and non-ambulatory status
InterventionsPRT versus functional training
1. PRT
Type of Ex: resisted proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise, 9 LL/2UL
Equipment: elastic bands
Intensity: 10 RM increased to 6 RM
Frequency: 3 to 5 times a week
Reps/Sets: 4-level of normal progression and 4-level of advanced levels
Duration: 6 weeks
Setting: home?
Supervision: two physical therapists taught the exercises and checked the exercise log at out-patient visits
Adherence: PRT group- exercised average 5 days per week; functional training group- exercise average 5. 39 days per week
2. Functional training group: N=6, average age =78.1 years, simulating locomotion activities at 3 differentspeeds, 3-5 days a week
OutcomesPrimary: SF-36
Secondary: muscle strength, paced gait, chair rise, standing balance
Comment on adverse events: yes
NotesNumerical results of means and SDs were not reported. Reported/figured % difference
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 1/29 in the experimental group, 1/16 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 45 (29 in PRT)
Sample: community dwelling elderly
Age: mean 68.5 years (SD = 1.2)
Inclusion criteria: no resistance-training background, no cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological dysfunction and uncontrolled chronic conditions
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5 LL
Equipment: Pin-loaded weigh machines
Intensity: from 60% 1RM in week 1 to 85% 1RM in week 14
Frequency: Ex3 -first 3 months; then Ex2-last 3 months
Reps/Sets: 5-8/2-5
Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 95.5%
2. Control Group: maintain normal activities
OutcomesMuscle strength
Gait velocity
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesFinal muscle strength outcome was not available
Data at week 12 were extracted = baseline + change score. Final SD = baseline SD
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: concealed envelopes
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 3
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: New Zealand
N = 20
Sample: hospitalised older people
Age: mean 81 years (SD 8.6)
Inclusion criteria: 65 years or older, patient on hospital ward, expected length of stay of > 1 week
Exclusion criteria: unable to perform knee extension against gravity with both legs, recent lower limb fracture, cognitive impairment which limited participation, leg ulcers on lower calf region
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1 LL
Equipment: velcro ankle weights
Intensity: 50-80% 1RM
Frequency: 5 times a week
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: duration of hospital stay (app 2 weeks)
Setting: gym in rehabilitation wards of a hospital
Supervision: full
Adherence: 90%
2. Control Group: regular physiotherapy
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Gait speed
TUAG
Balance (Berg)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT with a factorial design (only information about PRT vs control reported, 3- month outcomes reported)
Method of randomisation: central computerised randomisation, blocks of 6 by centre
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no, but attention control
Loss to follow-up: 21
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: yes, at the 6th month
ParticipantsLocation: New Zealand and Australia
N = 243
Sample: frail older adults recruited from hospital geriatric services
Age: mean 79.1 years (SD 6.9)
Inclusion criteria: age 65 years or more, receiving hospital care from geriatric services, considered to be frail, not clear indication or contraindication to study treatments
Exclusion criteria: responsible physician considered the interventions definitely hazardous or required, patients unlikely to survive 6 months, severe cognitive impairment which could compromise adherence to the exercise programme, not fluent in the English language
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1 LL
Equipment: velcro ankle weights
Intensity: aimed for 50-80% for most of the programme
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: home-based
Supervision: limited - fortnightly home visits alternating with phone calls
Adherence: 82% (including drop-outs)
2. Control Group: frequency-matched phone calls and home visits
OutcomesPrimary: falls over 6 months, HRQoL (SF-36)
Secondary: balance (Berg), strength (hand-held dynamometer), gait speed, TUAG, Barthel Index, Adelaide Activities Profile, Falls Self-Efficacy Index, adverse events (limitation in ADL for 2+ days and/or attention sought from health care professional)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: computer-generalized list
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 2/34 in PRT, 2/34 in stretching
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 68 (34 in each group)
Sample: elder women with osteoporosis or osteopenia
Age: mean 79.6 years (SD = 2.1)
Inclusion criteria: age between 75-85 years with low bone mass and diagnosed with osteoporosis/osteopenia
Exclusion criteria: living in care facilities, non-Caucasian, exercise regularly more than 2 times a week, illness or condition that would affect balance, MMSE score lowers than 23
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4 UL, 5LL
Equipment: machines (Keiser Pressurized Air system) or free weights
Intensity: progressed from 50-60 % of 1 RM to 75-85% of 1 RM in 4 weeks
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 10-15/2 (first 3 weeks); 6-8/2 (after week 3)
Duration: 25 weeks
Setting: community center
Supervision: certified fitness instructors
Adherence: 85% for PRT, 79% for stretching (control)
2. Control Group: general stretching, deep breathing and relaxation
OutcomesPrimary: health related quality of life, general physical function
Secondary: muscle strength, gait speed, fall risk assessment
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: the principal investigator drew numbers from a bowl that had been thoroughly mixed
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 7
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: UK
N = 10-speed group (LI), N= 10-Strength group (HI)
Sample: healthy elder women
Age: mean = 69 years (SD = 2.7)
Inclusion criteria: not reported
Exclusion criteria: not “medical stable” for exercise studies
InterventionsPRT (speed versus strength)
Type of Ex: pedal
Equipment: mechanically braked cycle ergometer
Intensity: speed group (LI)-40% of 2 max resistance to complete 2 revolutions (2RM); strength group (HI)-80% of 2 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: Speed group (LI)-16 pedal revolutions/8 sets; Strength group (HI)-8 pedals revolutions/8sets
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: not reported (gym?)
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: speed group (LI)-93%; strength group (HI)-89%
OutcomesStrength measure
Max treadmill walking speed
Box-stepping test
Vertical jump
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesInvolved power training, no control group
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and endurance (aerobic) group
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 5 in the endurance training group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 30 (15 in each group)
Sample: healthy elder women
Age: mean 69.8 years (SD = 1.5)
Inclusion criteria: a normal blood pressure, a normal physical exam, normal resting ECG, normal M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiograms showing no more than mild valvular regurgitation, a normal Bruce protocol treadmill maximal exercise stress test, and a normal hematocrit, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and creatinine.
Exclusion criteria: any history of angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, current medication use (prescription or over the counter), current smoking, or exercise-limiting orthopedic impairment
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus endurance (aerobic)
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 10 UL and LL
Equipment: not reported (weight?)
Intensity: 85% 1RM
Frequency: 5 times/week
Reps/Sets: 8-12/3
Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: full-certified trainer
Adherence: required participants to attend 90% of all training sessions to remain enrolled in the study
2. Control Group: no training
3. Endurance Ex (aerobic) Group: N=15, mean age=70 years (SD = 2.6), using cycle ergometer, 50-60%Max HR to 80-85% Max HR, 5 times a week
OutcomesVO2max
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesBaseline + relative change score
Data from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 5
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 31
Sample: men at least 3 months after coronary bypass
Age: mean 61.2 years (SD 8.4) in training group
Inclusion criteria: male, at least 3 months after coronary artery bypass surgery, low risk for recurrent cardiac events (normal left ventricular function, no residual ischemia, and an exercise capacity exceeding
4 metabolic equivalents during graded exercise testing)
Exclusion criteria: not in an exercise rehabilitation programme at time of recruitment, moderate/severe left ventricular function, valve replacement/repair, history of CHF, on beta-blocking medication, significant resting hypertension (systolic BP >160mmHg or diastolic 100 mmHg) angina or significant ST depression during graded exercise testing
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 7UL, 4LL, 1 Tr
Equipment: machines, dumb-bells
Intensity: 40% of MVC at beginning or program, 60% by end
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10-15/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: all subjects completed at least 80% of sessions (excluding drop-outs)
2. Control Group: maintain current physical activity habits
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Aerobic capacity (Peak VO2 on treadmill test)
Self-efficacy
Comments on adverse events: yes (safety an aim of study)
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, functional training, and PRT with functional training group
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: not reported
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Greece
N = 25 (15 in multi-joint resistance training group)
Sample: healthy inactive elderly
Age: mean 68 years
Inclusion criteria: inactive prior to the study, not exhibited anemia, hepatic complications, thyroid disorders or kidney problems, no hypertension, no potential damaging orthopedic and neuromuscular problems.
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 3 LL- multi-joint resistance training group
Equipment: Universal exercise machines
Intensity: 90% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 12/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: not reported (gym?)
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control group: no training
3. Aerobic ex. group: N = 15, mean age = 69 years, aerobic exercise with light leg weight
OutcomesStrength measure
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and aerobic group
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 1/11-control group, 1/13-aerobic training group, 6/17-resistance training group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 28 (17 in PRT)
Sample: post hip fracture
Age: mean 77.9 years (SD = 7.9)
Inclusion criteria: successful fixation of a hip fracture, at least 65 years old, living at home, and willing to come to the study site
Exclusion criteria: history of unstable angina, uncompensated congestive heart failure, metabolic conditions (i.e., renal dialysis), stroke, Parkinson's disease, life expectancy of less than 6 months, MMSE score is less than 20, and living in a nursing home
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 4LL
Equipment: portable progressive-resistance ex. machine and body weight
Intensity: 8 RM
Frequency: first 2 months-Ex2, the 3rd month-Ex1
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: participant's home
Supervision: full-6 physical therapists
Adherence: 98%
2. Control group: received biweekly mailing of non-ex health topics
3. Aerobic group: N=13, mean age =79.8 years, walking or stepping, LEs/UEs active ROM ex, 65-75%max heart rate
OutcomesPrimary: SF-36
Secondary: strength measure, 6-minute walking test, walking endurance, gait speed
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, functional training, and PRT with functional training
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 25
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 9-PRT
Sample: functional limited older adults (low isometric knee extension strength)
Age: mean 72 years (SD =10)
Inclusion criteria: bilateral isometric knee extension strength test < 3Nm/Kg; pass physician's clearance
Exclusion criteria: had cardiac or pulmonary difficulty
InterventionsPRT versus functional training and versus PRT with functional training
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 3 LL
Equipment: Life-Fitness Inc.
Intensity: 10 RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8/2
Duration: 10 weeks (8-10 weeks of control period before intervention)
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Functional training group: N=7, rising from a chair, rising from kneeling, stair ascending/descending
3. PRT and functional training group: N = 8, 1/week PRT training and 1/week of functional training
OutcomesMuscle strength
Max. knee isometrics
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesData from PRT and functional training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: random number generator, stratified by disease severity
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no, but attention control group
Loss to Follow-up: 15
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: yes - at 12 weeks (after 8 weeks of training)
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 113
Sample: people with diagnosed OA of the knee
Age: mean 66.3 years (SD 8.8) in treatment group
Inclusion criteria: met current American College of Rheumatology criteria for OA, between 50-80 years, receiving no drugs for their arthritis other than stable doses of analgesics or NSAIDs, had mild to moderate knee pain for at least the previous 3 months, scored 1-3 on the Kellgren radiographic scale
Exclusion criteria: concurrently receiving physical therapy, actively involved in any other pharmaceutical or exercise study or had undergone isokinetic strength training within the previous 3 years, had significant cardiovascular disease, more than mild knee swelling, large popliteal cysts, knee instability, major hip or knee surgery on the side to be treated, systemic disease other than OA that might affect muscle function, severe osteopenia, history of fracture in the area of the joint to be treated, paresis of the lower extremity
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1 LL
Equipment: isokinetic dynamometer
Intensity: appears high
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 3 reps at 3 speeds (total 9 reps) in 3 sets
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: four classes on OA education and self-management
OutcomesPrimary: WOMAC, SF-36
Secondary: strength (isokinetic dynamometer), AIMS index
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT. All results broken down into four groups by sex and age (60-70 or 70-80, only results for women aged 70-80 - the largest group - used for pooled comparisons in review)
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no, but attention/exercise control group
Loss to follow-up: 23
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no, but exercise program had 2 year duration
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 142
Sample: healthy volunteers
Age: mean 64 years (SD 2.4) for exercise group
Inclusion criteria: approval of family physician, successful completion of cycle ergometer test, aged 60-80 years, no prior resistance training experience
Exclusion criteria: evidence of coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive or restrictive lung disease, osteoporosis, major orthopaedic disability, smoking, body weight greater than 130% of ideal
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3UL, 3LL, 1Tr
Equipment: weight-lifting machines
Intensity: 50-80% 1RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 10-12/3
Program Duration: 42 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 88% (at 1 year)
2. Control Group: 2 times per week low-intensity walking
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Maximum cycle ergometry
Treadmill testing
Stair climbing ergometric muscle cross-sectional area
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 4
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 20
Sample: people with peripheral arterial disease
Age: mean 66 years (SD 6) exercise group
Inclusion criteria: PAD diagnosed by a vascular surgeon
Exclusion criteria: leg pain at rest, ischemic ulceration or gangrene, inability to walk at lest 2km/h on a treadmill, limited exercise capacity by factors other than claudication, vascular surgery or angioplasty in previous year, smoking of cigarettes
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 8 exercise that included UL, LL, Tr, combination varied in each session (1-3) per week
Equipment: machines
Intensity: used linear periodization, intensity varied with reps
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-15/2
Program Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: no intervention
OutcomesStrength (10 RM)
6 minute walk test
Treadmill walk time
Hemodynamic measures
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with three groups, PRT, mobility exercise programme and attention control
Method of randomisation: sealed envelopes in sequence, computer generated random number tables generated the sequence
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no, but attention control used
Loss to follow-up: 7 from PRT and control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no, but program 6 months long
ParticipantsLocation: UK
N = 86 total (55 in PRT vs control)
Sample: residents of sheltered housing complexes
Age: mean 82 years
Inclusion criteria: age 75 years and over, limited mobility requiring the use of a walking aid, dependence in functional activities of daily living requiring the assistance of home help at least once per week
Exclusion criteria: major neurological disease, unstable cardiovascular disease, severe cognitive impairment
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus mobility
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 24 (UL, LL, trunk)
Equipment: theraband, progressive thickness
Intensity: low-moderate
Frequency: daily
Reps/Sets: 5-10/1
Program Duration: 26 weeks
Setting: home
Supervision: low - visited at home every 3-4 weeks
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: health education visits every 3-4 weeks
3. Mobility Group: same 24 exercises, but with no resistance
OutcomesTUAG
Sit to stand test (time to complete 10 full stands)
Grip strength
Functional reach
ADL (Barthel Index)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT cluster randomised by residence
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no, but attention control group
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 58
Sample: sedentary residents of senior citizen or residential nursing homes
Age: mean 82.7 years (SD 7.7)
Inclusion criteria: residents of senior citizen and residential nursing home facilities, sedentary, clearance form personal physician
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5 UL
Equipment: dumb bells
Intensity: high - worked until failure
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10-12 reps
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: fluid movement program
OutcomesADL performance (modified version of Lawton and Brody's IADL scale)
Strength (1RM)
Satisfaction with Life Scale
Positive and negative affect
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported-stratified
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 36% in PRT, 24% in Control (range of motion)
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes, done at the 30th month
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 221 (113 in PRT)
Sample: knee OA
Age: mean = 69.4 years (SD = 8)
Inclusion criteria: not clearly described
Exclusion criteria: cannot walk without assistance, amputation of either lower extremity, knee or hip replacement, history of stroke, myocardial infarction, CHF, uncontrolled hypertension, fibromyalgia…
InterventionsPRT versus flexibility (control)
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 2UL/2LL
Equipment: CYBEX machines at gym; Elastic bands at home,
Intensity: 8-10 RM
Frequency: Ex3; first 3 months (2/week in the gym, 1/week at home), month 4-6 (1/week in the gym, 2/week at home), month 7-9 (2/month in the gym, 3/week at home); month 10-12 (1/month in the gym, 3/week at home)
Reps/Sets: from 8-10/ 3 to 12/2
Duration: 1 year
Setting: gym and home
Supervision: full-1 fitness trainer in the gym
Adherence: attending gym (PRT-59%, control/ROM-64%); home ex (PRT-56%, control/ROM-62%)
2. Flexibility exercise group: N=108, mean age = 68.6 years (SD = 7.5), flexibility ex, 3 times/week
OutcomesPrimary: SF-36 (at the 30 month), WOMAC
Secondary: Strength measure (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesSF-36 was not pooled because it was not measured right after the training
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: computer generated sequence, stratified and block randomization
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 3 withdrawn (1 in control), 4 death (2 in PRT)
Intention-to-teat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 51 (25 in PRT)
Sample: fall-related lower limb fracture
Age: mean 84.8 years
Inclusion criteria: at least 70 years old, fall-related lower limb fracture
Exclusion criteria: (1) did not reside within southern Adelaide, (2) were unable to comprehend instructions relating to positioning of the upper arm for eligibility assessment, (3) were unable to fully weight bear on the side of the injury for more than seven days post admission, (4) were not independently mobile prefracture, (5) were medically unstable more than 7 days post admission, (6) were suffering from cancer, chronic renal failure, unstable angina or unstable diabetes or (7) were not classified as malnourished
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5 LL
Equipment: elastic band
Intensity: was appropriate to baseline strength, pain level and range of motion
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: increased to 8/2 if exercise could be completed in good form
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: a teaching hospital
Supervision: full-pysiotherapist
Adherence: > 86%
2. Control group: attention control, week 1-6: tri-weekly home visits, week 7-12: weekly home visit;discussion of general information during the visit
OutcomesPrimary: SF-12
Secondary: strength measure, gait speed
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesReported Median & 95%CI. Data from participants who took nutrition supplementation were not extracted
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRE, control, and power exercise
Method of randomisation: stratified by sex
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 4/17 in PRT, 7/18 in power
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 28 (13 in PRT)
Sample: older adults with below average leg extensor power
Age: mean 72.8 years (SD = 5.4)
Inclusion criteria: below-average leg extensor power
Exclusion criteria: poorly controlled or unstable cardiovascular disease or diabetes, recent unhealed bone fracture (within the past 12 months), severe hypertension while resting quietly in the supine position, leg or arm amputation, excessive alcohol intake (more than three drinks per day), a classic anterior compression fracture, neuromuscular disorders, being nonambulatory, or having recent (within 6 months) involvement in a strength-training or running or jogging program
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus power exercise
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL/4LL & squats
Equipment: Keiser Inc.
Intensity: 50% -> 70% of 1RM by week 8, 80% of 1RM the last 8 weeks
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 6-8/3
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: maintain usual activity and attend 3 educational presentations over the study period
3. Power Ex Group: N=11, mean age = 72.3 years (SD = 6.7), the same exercise as the PRT group butdid jump squats instead of squats, 6-8 repetition at 40% of 1RM, move as fast as possible
OutcomesPrimary: Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance
Secondary: strength measure (1 RM)
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesInvolved power training
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: concealed, phoned central office
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 10
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: yes, at the 6th month
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 133 (68 in PRT)
Sample: people post-stroke
Age: mean 69 years
Inclusion criteria: not reported
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1.PRT
Type of Ex: UL, LL
Equipment: not reported
Intensity: not reported
Frequency: not reported
Reps/Sets: not reported
Program Duration: until hospital discharge
Setting: hospital
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: regular therapy
OutcomesPrimary: Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment
Secondary: 2-minute walk test
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 1
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no, but program had 1-year duration
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N=40
Sample: healthy females post-menopause
Age:mean 61.1 years (SD 3.7)
Inclusion criteria: at least 5 years post-menopausal but not older than 70, do not engage in any regular physical training, weigh less than 130% of ideal body weight, currently non-smoking, do not have more than one crush fracture of the spine, no history of other osteoporotic fractures, have not taken estrogen or other medications known to affect bone for 12 months, passed physical screening (including ECG during strength training session)
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 2 LL, 1 UL, 2Tr
Equipment: pneumatic resistance machines (Keiser)
Intensity: 80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8/ 3
Program Duration: 52 weeks
Adherence: 87.5%
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
2. Control Group: asked to maintain normal level of activity, could receive the exercise program at the end of the trial
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Balance (backward walking)
Physical activity (Harvard Alumini Questionnaire, kJ/week)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no, but attention control
Loss to follow-up: 6
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: yes, at the 24 week
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 30
Sample: residents of long-term care facility
Age: mean 81.7 years (SD 5.6)
Inclusion criteria: age 70+, independent in ambulation (with or without walking aid) over 40m at <0.9m/s, 20+ on TUAG; at least 90 degrees of available ROM at knee, can follow a 3-step command
Exclusion criteria: have Parkinsons Disease or CVA; participation in strength training in the past year; unstable medical conditions
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: UL, LL
Equipment: pullies
Intensity: 80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/3
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym in nursing home
Supervision: full
Adherence: 86%
2. Control Group: attention control
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Gait velocity
TUAG
Balance (Berg)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: stratified into rank-ordered pairs and randomised
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 6
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no, but 6 month duration of program
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 36
Sample: active healthy women
Age: mean 67.8 years (SE 1.6)
Inclusion criteria: greater than 60 years, active for at least 6 months prior to the trial with exercise at least 3 times per week, physician's consent
Exclusion criteria: previous weight training, history of cardiovascular disease, taking thyroid or cardiac medications, nonestrogen repleted
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL, 2LL, 1Tr
Equipment: variable resistance machines (Polaris)
Intensity: 80% 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-10/3
Program Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: gym
Adherence: 87% of sessions
Supervision: full
2. Control Group: maintain current routine
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Activity performance
Blair Seven Day Recall
Comments on adverse events: yes (safety a priority objective)
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to Follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 42 (21 in each group)
Sample: single mild to moderate stroke
Age: mean 65.8 years (SD = 2.5)
Inclusion criteria: subjects aged at least 50 years, 6 months to 6 years following a single unilateral mild to moderate stroke with residual lower extremity hemiparesis, community dwelling, independent ambulation with or without an assistive device, report of 2 or more limitations on the physical function subscale (PF 10) of the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Form, ability to travel to the exercise laboratory, and willingness to be randomized. Stroke was diagnosed by history and clinical examination, and confirmed via medical records review.
Exclusion criteria: myocardial infarction within the past 6 months, symptomatic coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, fracture within the past 6 months, acute or terminal illness, score less than 20 on the MMSE, inability to follow a 3-step command, current participation in regular strength training or supervised physical therapy, or pain during exercise
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4 LLs
Equipment: Pneumatic resistance training equipment (Keiser Sports Health Equipment) and modified
stack-pulley system (Therapy Systems)
Intensity: 70% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-10/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 85.4%-PRT; 79.9%-controls
2. Control group: bilateral range of motion ex and upper body flexibility exercise
OutcomesPrimary: Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument, sickness impact profile
Secondary: strength measure (1 RM), 6-minutes walk, gait speed, stair climb, chair rise
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesSD is obtained from SE for LLFD 1
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to Follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 22
Sample: sedentary older women with low bone mineral density
Age: mean 68.1 years
Inclusion criteria: community-dwelling, sedentary, post-menopausal women, aged 60-80 years, low bone mineral density
Exclusion criteria: medical or orthopaedic problems that would interfere with their ability to participate in physical activity, on hormone replacement
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 9 LL
Equipment: not reported
Intensity: 75-80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-10/3
Program Duration: 8 months
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and aerobic training group
Method of randomisation: rank ordered then randomly stratified into 3 groups, with the restriction that more would be assigned to training groups
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to Follow-up: 8 total (4 in PRT and control)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no, but 6 month exercise program
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 57 in total (36 in PRT and control)
Sample: sedentary men and women
Age: mean 72 years
Inclusion criteria: free from overt evidence of coronary heart disease or any other conditions that would limit their participation in vigorous exercise; aged 70-79, sedentary for one year
Exclusion criteria: blood pressure > 160/100; ECG changes or cardiac symptoms during exercise testing
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL, 2LL, 3 Tr
Equipment: variable resistance machines (Nautilus)
Intensity: initially light to moderate, by week 14 encouraged to train to fatigue
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-12/ 1
Program Duration: 26 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 97.8% sessions attended (excluding drop-outs), 87% stayed with program
2. Control Group: not reported
3. Aerobic Training Group: 3 sessions per week of walk/jog program for 26 weeks, aimed for duration of35-45min minutes at 75-85% VO2 max by week 26
OutcomesStrength
VO2 max
Adverse events
Reaction time
Comments on adverse events: yes (a priority outcome, well- defined)
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: matched by age then randomised
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 2
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 16
Sample: older women with CHF
Age: mean 77 years (SE 6)
Inclusion criteria: community-dwelling women; 65 years or older; mild to moderate systolic heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I to III; resting ejection fraction less than or equal to 45%,
Exclusion criteria: NYHA class IV heart failure; myocardial infarction within 6 months of randomisation, hospitalization for CHF within 2 months, change of CHF therapy within 1 MO; unstable angina pectoris, fixed ventricular rate pacemaker, abdominal aortic aneurysm >4cm, major limb amputation, symptomatic abdominal or inguinal hernias, MMSE <23, signification abnormalities on treadmill or strength testing, any unstable medical conditions
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2UL, 2LL
Equipment: pneumatic resistance equipment (Keiser)
Intensity: 80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Program Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: Gym
Adherence: 98%
Supervision: Full
2. Control Group: sham exercise group 2 time per week of supervised, low-intensity stretches for 10 weeks
OutcomesExercise capacity (6-minute walk)
Maximal oxygen consumption
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT: (groups of healthy young people and middle-aged people with RA not included in this review)
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: no drop-outs, not stated
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 14
Sample: healthy elderly
Age: mean 70.3 years (SD 5)
Inclusion criteria: healthy older people (ages 65-80)
Exclusion criteria: obese (BMI>30), diabetes, cancer, renal disease, liver disease, cardiac artery disease, endocrine disorder, autoimmune disease
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1UL, 2LL, 2 Tr
Equipment: pneumatic resistance machines (Keiser)
Intensity: 80% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 8/ 3
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 92%
2. Control Group: 15 minutes of water exercises
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Aerobic capacity - VO2 max
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: not reported
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: UK
N = 18 (9 in each group)
Sample: physically active volunteers
Age: mean 74.3 years (SD = 3.5)
Inclusion criteria: no neurological or musculoskeletal disorder that might prevent participation
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2UL/2LL
Equipment: Technogym machines
Intensity: 80% of 5 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Duration: 14 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: full
Adherence: 93%
2. Control Group: to keep normal activity level
OutcomesMuscle strength
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 6
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no, but exercise program 1 year duration
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 44
Sample: healthy, community-dwelling sedentary women
Age: mean 68.8 years
Inclusion criteria: aged 65-75, not actively engaged in an organised activity program, had independent community dwelling status, passed medical screening by doctor
Exclusion criteria: recent hospital stay, blind, severe hearing impairment, uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, symptomatic cardiorespiratory disease, severe renal or hepatic disease, uncontrolled epilepsy, progressive neurological disease, chronic disabling arthritis, MMSE<25/30, anaemia, marked obesity with the inability to exercise, regular exercise at the time of screening more than 3 times 30 minutes per week, current use of Beta-blockers, oral anti-coagulants or central nervous system stimulants
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3UL, 3LL
Equipment: weight-lifting equipment (Universal Gym)
Intensity: 75% 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Program duration: 1 year
Setting: first 3 months in supervised gym, last 9 months at a recreation facility close to participants' home
Supervision: supervised for first 3 months, last 9 months had occasional visits from study staff
Adherence: 86% (attendance)
2. Control Group: asked to maintain normal lifestyle, could participate in exercises at the end of the trial
OutcomesMuscle strength (1RM, hand grip) Flexibility (trunk flexion test) Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: table of random numbers used
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: no
Intention-to-treat analysis: No dropouts, not stated ITT
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA N = 20
Sample: man and women with knee OA Age: mean 64.5 years in PRT group
Inclusion criteria: from rheumatology clinic, no condition to preclude increased activity/strength training, not currently involved in a scheduled program of regular of exercise and had not participated in a strength-training program in the last 6 months
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1.PRT
Type of Ex: 1LL
Equipment: isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II)
Intensity: high - maximal contractions
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 5/ 6 by session 6 (the end of week 2)
Program duration: 8 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: usual activities
OutcomesStrength (isokinetic dynamometer)
Timed walk
Range of motion
Health status (Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales; higher score = poor health status)
Osteoarthritis Screening Index (OASI; modified from RheumatoidArthritis Disease Activity Index; higher score = worse health)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 2
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N=24
Sample: moderately active, community-dwelling men and women
Age: mean 72 years (SD 6.3)
Inclusion criteria: 60 years and older, community-dwelling, physician consent to participate
Exclusion criteria: dependent living status, current involvement in a strength training program, physiological disorders that precluded strenuous exercise or affected vestibular function
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 6LL
Equipment: resistance training machines (Universal, Cybex and Paramount equipment)
Intensity: 75% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/2
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 99% (excluding drop outs)
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesMuscle strength (1 RM)
Maximum walking speed
5-rep sit-to-stand
Balance (1-leg stance with eyes shut)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: using a table of random numbers, which was stratified by study centers and intent of treatment (curative or palliative)
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 8/82 in the PRT group; 12/73 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 155 (82 in PRT)
Sample: men with prostate cancer
Age: mean 68.2 years (SD = 7.9)
Inclusion criteria: had prostate cancer, would received androgen deprivation therapy for at least 3 months after recruitment, and the treating oncologist provided consent
Exclusion criteria: severe cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, pain, unstable bone lesions, and residence more than 1 hr from the study center
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 6UL/3LL
Equipment: not reported
Intensity: 60-70% of 1 RM, increased 5 lb after 12 successful repetitions
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-12/2
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: fitness center
Supervision: full
Adherence: 79%
2. Control Group: on a waiting list, offered the identical exercise advice and guideline as the exercisegroup after the study period
OutcomesPrimary: Health-related quality of life
Secondary: Muscle fatigue (Number of repetition)
Comments of adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 3/19 in the PRT group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 33 (14 in PRT)
Sample: with chronic heart failure
Age: mean 65 years (SD = 13)
Inclusion criteria: left ventricular systolic failure except aortic stenosis, left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%, and stable pharmacologic therapy
Exclusion criteria: New York Heart Association Class I or IV, mayocardiact infarction in the previous 6 months, cardiac arrest, symptomatic, sustained ventricular tachycardia, current angina, conditions that constraindicate exercise, did not pass baseline assessment
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex : 5 UL/4 LL
Equipment: multistation hydraulic resistance training system
Intensity: by increasing resistance or the number of sets
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: not reported
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: hospital rehabilitation gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: usual care
OutcomesMuscle strength
VO2 max
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: high intensity, low intensity, and control
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: yes
Loss to follow-up: 5/27 drop out
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: France
N = 8-HI; N = 6-LI; N = 8-control Sample: institutionalized elders
Age: HI-mean 83.3 years (SD = 2.8); LI-mean 80.7 years (SD = 2.3)
Inclusion criteria: at least 70 years of age, ambulatory, and understand simple instructions
Exclusion criteria: (a) cognitive impairment precluding understanding of the written informed consent; (b) practice of regular exercise outside of the research activities; (c) unstable cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, or any other unstable medical condition; (d) amputations; (e) hernias; (f) symptomatic known unrepaired aortic aneurysm; (g) recent (within 6 months) hospitalization for myocardial infarction, stroke, fracture, eye surgery, or laser treatment; (h) skin disease precluding placement of ankle weights; (i) musculoskeletal deformity; (j) neuromuscular disease; and (k) symptomatic rheumatoid or osteoarthritis precluding planned exercises
InterventionsPRT (high intensity and low intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1LL
Equipment: ankle cuff
Intensity: HI-80% of 1RM; LI-40% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: not reported-gym?
Supervision: full
Adherence: 99%
2. Control Group: wearing empty ankle cuff and did the same exercise as the Ex group but without weights
OutcomesPrimary: self-reported disability
Secondary: muscle strength (1RM), muscle endurance, 6-minute walking, chair rising, stair climbing
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesSD was calculated from SEM
Date from high intensity PRT and low intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: France
N = 20 (11 in PRT)
Sample: healthy and community dwelling people
Age: mean 78.1 years (SD = 3.1)
Inclusion criteria: no muscular, neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory disease' moderately active individuals
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex : 1 LL-ankle joint
Equipment: elastic bands-home
Intensity: increased progressively from 50% - 55% of 3RM to 70% of 3 RM
Frequency: Ex3 (2 supervised and 1 at home)
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: gym and home
Supervision: 2 sessions were supervised
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: maintain usual activities
OutcomesMuscle strength (Torques)
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesTraining at ankle joints
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 2/21 in the PRT group; 1/21 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 42 (21 in each group)
Sample: older adults from independent living facility
Age: mean 84.6 years (SD = 4.5)
Inclusion criteria: had clearance by the primary physician, lack of regular exercise more than 1 year, and at least 65 years of age
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3UL/3LL
Equipment: Keiser machines
Intensity: 75% of 1 RM, increased the load of 5%
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/Sets: 10/1
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: fitness center
Supervision: full, by trained instructors
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: controls and Ex group all had 6 one-hour health lectures at 3-week intervals
OutcomesMuscle strength (1RM)
Flexibility
Balance and agibility
Eye-hand coordination
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: stratified (don't know how) and randomly assigned
Participant blinding: no
Assessor blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 6
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 34
Sample: people with chronic airflow obstruction
Age: mean 73 years (SD 4.8) in PRT group
Inclusion criteria: aged 58-80, attending a respiratory outpatient clinic, in a clinically stable state, no recent infective exacerbation, drug management was considered to be optimal, FE to VC ratio of less than 0.7, body weight within 30% of ideal weight, absence of disorders likely to affect exercise, capacity to take part in the training program,
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 1UL, 2LL
Equipment: weight-lifting machines
Intensity: 50-85% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/3
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 90%
2. Control Group: only attended testing sessions
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Spirometry
Aerobic capacity (VO2 max)
6-minute walk test
Likert scale rating of discomfort during four daily activities (1= extreme disability, 7=none) assessed for fatigue, dyspnoea, emotion and mastery
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: by an independent person with a previously block randomised list
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 6
Intention-to-treat analysis: yes
Post-program follow up: yes, at the 6th month
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 32 (14 in PRT)
Sample: older adults with depression symptoms
Age: mean 74.28 years(SD = 5.87)
Inclusion criteria: at least 65 years old; GDS score > 11
Exclusion criteria: unsuitable to exercise according to the score of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire. Alcohol or drug related depression; depression with psychotic features; schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; other psychiatric diagnoses; suicidal ideation; dementia; terminally ill; uncontrolled hypertension, unstable insulin dependent diabetes, and unstable angina. They excluded those currently receiving antidepressants in order to determine the independent impact of PRT
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: major UL and LL muscles
Equipment: weights
Intensity: 80% of 1RM & Borg's perceived exertion scale
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-10/3
Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 5 attended 2-15 sessions, 7 attended 18-30 sessions 58% meet the adherence criterion of 60% of sessions completed
2. Control group: received ex information (Ex group received it too)
OutcomesHuman Activity Profile WHO-QOL
PASE-functional health status
PGMS-well being
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: computer-generated list in blocks of five
Assessor blinding: all outcomes except strength
Participant blinding: no, but attention control group
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: no drop-outs but not stated
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 32
Sample: community-dwelling depressed older people
Age: mean 70 years (SD 1.5) in PRT group
Inclusion criteria: age 60 and over, fulfil DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for either unipolar major or minor depression or dysthymia.
Exclusion criteria: dementia, MM SE<23, unstable diseases, bipolar disorder, active psychosis, suicidal plans, currently seeing a psychiatrist, on antidepressant drugs within the last 3 months, participating in any progressive resistance training or in aerobic exercise more than twice a week in the previous month
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2UL, 3LL
Equipment: exercise machines (Keiser)
Intensity: 80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Program Duration: 10 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: median 93%
2. Control Group: health education program, 2 times per week for 1 hour
OutcomesSickness Impact Profile
Katz ADL scale
Lawton Brody IADL scale
SF-36
Strength (1RM)
Adverse events (chest pain, musculoskeletal pain, medication change, intercurrent illness, hospitalisation, visits to a health professional, worsening of suicidality
Comments on adverse events: yes (a priority outcome)
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: high intensity, low intensity, and control
Method of randomisation: by a computer generated random number program in blocks of 15
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: yes
Loss to follow-up: 2/20 in the high intensity group; 3/20 in the low intensity group; 1/20 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Australia
N = 20 in each group
Sample: major or minor depression
Age: HI-mean 69 years (SD=5); LI- mean 70 years (SD = 7)
Inclusion criteria: aged 60 years; major depression, minor depression, or dysthymia; and had a GDS score at least 14.
Exclusion criteria: if demented clinically according to DSM-IV criteria or if their MMSE score was less than 23, if they were suffering from unstable medical disease which would preclude resistance training, had bipolar disorder or active psychosis, or were determined by the study physician to be actively suicidal. They were also excluded if they were currently seeing a psychiatrist, prescribed antidepressant drugs within the last 3 months, or were currently participating in any exercise training more than twice a week
InterventionsPRT (high intensity versus low intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3UL/3LL
Equipment: Keiser Sports Health Equipment
intensity: high intensity group- 80% of 1RM; low intensity group- 20% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: outpatient gym in a hospital
Supervision: full
Adherence: high intensity group: 95-100%; low intensity group: 99-100%
2. Control Group: usual care
OutcomesPrimary: SF-36
Secondary: muscle strength (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
Sipila 1996
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control and aerobic training group
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 4 in PRT/controls (8 total)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Finland
N = 42 total (27 in PRT and control)
Sample: healthy older women
Age: 76-78 years
Inclusion criteria: born between 1915-17 (aged 76-78), no severe diseases or functional impairments, no indications against intensive physical exercise (medical exam and exercise test screening)
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus endurance (aerobic)
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4LL
Equipment: variable resistance machines (HUR equipment)
Intensity: 60-75% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8-10/3-4
Program duration: 18 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 71-86% (varied depending upon muscle group/exercise type)
2. Control Group: instructed to continue daily routines and not change their physical activity levels
3. Endurance exercise group: 18 weeks of track walking (2 times per week) and step aerobics (once perweek) at 50%-80% of initial maximum heart rate reserve
OutcomesStrength
Walking speed
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: a random numbers table
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 7
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: UK
N = 47
Sample:healthy, independent women
Age: median 79.5 years (range 76-93) in PRT group
Inclusion criteria: healthy; medically stable; no recent history of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, systemic or muscular disease; any impairment that interfered with mobility, live independently, require not help with ADLs
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3UL, 6LL
Equipment: rice bags and elastic tubing
Intensity: resistance increased as soon as participant could complete 3 sets of 8 reps
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 4-8/ 3
Program duration: 12 weeks
Setting: group exercise class 1 day per week, home 2 days
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: no one attended fewer than 6 classes or 11 home sessions
2. Control Group: asked not to change their activities
OutcomesHuman Activity Profile
Anthropometry
Strength (isometric strength and handgrip): such as extensor power
Functional reach
Chair rise
Timed walk
Stair walking
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: matched by age then randomised
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 2
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: UK
N = 20
Sample: women with functional limitations
Age: median 81 years
Inclusion criteria: age:75+, from GP practice, have minor or major functional/mobility laminations
Exclusion criteria: any disease / condition adversely affected by exercise
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2UL, 6LL
Equipment: theraband, cuff-weights
Intensity: resistance increased as soon as participant could complete 3 sets of 8 reps
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 4-8/3
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: 1 class per week, 2 home sessions per week
Supervision: class supervised, home exercises unsupervised
Adherence: no subject performed fewer than 30 complete sessions
2. Control Group: asked not to change activities
OutcomesHuman Activity Profile
Strength (isometric strength and handgrip)
1 -legged balance
Chair rise
Timed walk
Timed up-and-go
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: NA
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Portugal
N = 20 (10 in each group)
Sample: healthy men
Age: mean 73 years (SD = 6)
Inclusion criteria: family physician's approval
Exclusion criteria: taking medications that could affect balance, smokers, history of falls, and orthopedic, neurological, cardiac, or pulmonary problems
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL/3LL
Equipment: Image Sport Machines
Intensity: increased progressively from 50% to 80% of 1RM over the program
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: first 8 weeks: 8-12/2-3; then 6-10/2-3
Duration: 14 weeks
Setting: not reported-gym?
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 95%
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesPrimary: self-reported disability
Secondary: Muscle strength (1 RM), TUAG, functional reach test
Comment on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: by a computer program
Assessor blinding: On measuring muscle cross-sectional area
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 2/13-PRT group, 3/12-Control
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Denmark
N = 25 (13 in PRT)
Sample: unilateral hip replacement due to OA
Age: Mean 71 years
Inclusion criteria: age at least of 60 years, and unilateral primary hip replacement due to OA
Exclusion criteria: cardiopulmonary, neurological, or cognitive problems
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 2 LL and standard care
Equipment: sandbags strapped to the ankle of the operated leg during hospitalization, after day 7, Technogym International machines
Intensity: week 0-6, 20 to 12 RM; the last 6 weeks, 8 RM
Frequency: daily during hospitalization, Ex3 after day 7
Reps/Sets: week 0-6, 10/ 3-5; the last 6 weeks, 8/3-5
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: physical therapist
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: home-based standard care
OutcomesMuscle strength
Gait speed
Stair climbing
Sit-to-stand
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesSD was calculated from SE
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: done by a biostatistician
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: yes for the testosterone
Loss to follow-up: 2/17 in low resistance group with placebo, 4/17 in high resistance group with placebo
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 17-HI; N = 17-LI
Sample: recent functional decline
Age: mean 78.2 years (SD = 6.4)
Inclusion criteria: recent functional decline, at least 65 years old, serum total testosterone less than 480 ngd/L, and can give informed consent
Exclusion criteria: near terminal medical disorder, unresolved malignancy, prostate specific antigen > 10 ngm/L, possibility of prostate cancer, history of prostate cancer, disabling arthritis, neurological diseases or unstable cardiovascular disease
InterventionsPRT (High intensity versus low intensity)
Type of Ex: 2 LL
Equipment: Keiser Sport Health Equipment
Intensity: low intensity: 20% 1RM; high intensity: 80% of 1 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 99%
OutcomesMuscle strength
Sit-to-stand
Gait speed
Stair climb
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesReported absolute change. High-intensity leg exercise led to greater leg strength, No significance in aggregate physical performance score change between any intervention groups. Final score = baseline + change score. Final SD = baseline SD
Date from high intensity PRT and low intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?YesA - Adequate
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: random selection with continuing replacement method
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 5/14 in isokinetic eccentric group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Canada
N = 10-isokinetic concentric; N = 14-isokinetic eccentric
Sample: healthy adults
Age: mean 72 years
Inclusion criteria: free of any debilitating cardiovascular, lower limb musculoskeletal or neuromuscular limitations; had not participated in resistance training for a period of at least 6 months
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT (isokinet concentric versus excentric)
Type of Ex: voluntary contractions of the knee extensors using the specific contraction type of the training group
Equipment: Biodex dynamometer
Intensity: 10 RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/3
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported (Gym?)
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: 90%
OutcomesMuscle strength
Stair climb
Gait speed
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesEccentric versus concentric
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: high intensity training, low intensity and control (high-intensity only used for main comparisons)
Method of randomisation: not reported
Participant blinding: no
Assessor blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 11 total (5 from HI PRT and control)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 36 total (23 in control and main PRT group)
Sample: healthy older women
Age: mean 67 years (SE 0.2) in HI-PRT group
Inclusion criteria: female, did not participate in a strength-training program; not taking HRT or on HRT for more than one year
Exclusion criteria: evidence of acute or uncontrolled chronic illness or condition that would prevent participation in a resistance training program; presence of vertebral compression fracture; evidence of any disorder that would affect bone metabolism
InterventionsPRT (high intensity and low intensity) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 3LL
Equipment: weight machines (Universal Gym, and Marcy equipment)
Intensity: HI-80% of 1RM; LI-40% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: HI= first set at 40% 1RM for 14 reps, last 2 had 7 reps; LI=14/3
Program Duration: 52 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 79%
2. Control Group: maintain customary dietary and activity patterns
OutcomesStrength (1RM),
Habitual activity (4 day activity records)
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesDate from high intensity PRT and low intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 4 groups, PRT once per week, twice per week, 3 times per week and control (main analyses with 3 times per week and control)
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 7 total (2 in control and Ex3)
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no, but 24 weeks duration
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 46 total (25 in Ex3 and control)
Sample: community-dwelling, healthy men and women
Age: mean 71.0 years (SD 4.1) in Ex3 group
Inclusion criteria: aged 65-79 years, apparently healthy, BMI<30, no musculoskeletal disorder that could inhibit them from exercising, no weight training in previous 12 months, passed medical screening (including maximum exercise stress test)
InterventionsPRT (at different frequencies) versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 6UL, 6LL
Equipment: Universal Gym, Marcy and Nautilus equipment
Intensity: 80% 1RM
Frequency: Ex1, Ex2, Ex3
Reps/Sets: 8/3
Program Duration: 24 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: 97-99%
2. Control Group: maintain customary dietary and activity patterns
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Timed backward tandem walk
Chair rise
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from 3 times per week and one time per week group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT (note: results extrapolated from graph)
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no but attention control group
Loss to follow-up: 7
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 63
Sample: community-dwelling men and women
Age: mean 69.2 years (SE 0.8) in the PRT group
Inclusion criteria: community-dwelling, 65+,
Exclusion criteria: cardiopulmonary/ cardiovascular disease, intolerance to exercise, functional disabilities that would contraindicate strength training, unable to commit to a 12-week program, currently involved in strength training more than 1 hour per week
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 6UL, 6LL
Equipment: surgical tubing
Intensity: low-moderate - increased tubing thickness when they could perform 12 reps of an exercise
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: upper body 10/ 2; lower body 10/3
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: exercise class for at least one session per week, home for other session(s)
Supervision: full in exercise class, low at home
Adherence: 90%
2. Control Group: attended two 3-hour driver education classes, continue usual activities, could have 4weeks of exercise at the end of the trial
OutcomesGait speed
Balance (modified Romberg protocol)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no, but attention control group
Loss to follow-up: 19
Intention-to-treat analysis: no - excluded people who completed <70% of prescribed sessions
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 61
Sample: community-dwelling, sedentary
Age: mean 70.8 years (SE 1.03) in exercise group
Inclusion criteria: community dwelling older adults
Exclusion criteria: any contraindications to participating in regular exercise including a history of coronary artery disease, more than one major coronary risk factor or major symptoms or signs of cardiopulmonary or metabolic disease evident during a medically supervised history and physical; already participating in a program of regular resistance training, unable to make a 14-week commitment to the project
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 11 exercises (UL, LL, Tr)
Equipment: theraband
Intensity: low-moderate - used theraband of a thickness sufficient to produce moderate fatigue during the final 2 reps of an exercise
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: by end of study, 2/10 for UL, 3/10 for LL
Program duration: 14 weeks
Setting: exercise class at least once per week, home for other session(s)
Supervision: full for exercise class, none for home
Adherence: 93% (excluding drop-outs)
2. Control Group: two 3-hour supervised driver-education classes
OutcomesStrength
Postural control (measured using a force plate)
Gait speed
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: N/A
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 35
Sample: adults with knee OA
Age: mean = 65.57 years (SD = 1.82) estimated
Inclusion criteria: knee pain due to OA (based on WOMAC); physician validated the knee pain and the
diagnosis of OA
Exclusion criteria: had any contraindications for exercise, including a history of uncontrolled angina, cardiomyopathy severe enough to compromise cardiac functioning, electrolyte or metabolic disturbances, disabilities that prohibited resistance training of the lower extremities, or if they were currently taking nitrates, digitalis, or phenothiazine. Individuals were also excluded if they were currently participating in an organized exercise program or exercised more than 1 hour per week
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 6 LL for 30 minutes
Equipment: Thera-Band elastic bands
Intensity: self exertion of mild fatigue after 8RM
Frequency: Ex3 (2 at home 1 at gym)
Reps/Sets: increasing reps and sets every week and then reached 12 reps/3sets at week 9 to 16
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: home and gym
Supervision: provided in the gym
Adherence: each participant had exercise log, but results were not reported
2. Control Group: no intervention
OutcomesWOMAC
Knee pain
Stair climbing
Down and up off the floor
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesCalculated SDs from reported SEMs
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: PRT, control, and aerobic groups
Method of randomisation: two-coin-flip methodology
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: yes, but the number was not reported
Intention-to-treat analysis: not reported
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 66 (31 in each group)
Sample: older adults with limited functional ability, community dwelling
Age: mean 74.1 years (SD = 6.2)
Inclusion criteria: score lower then 24 in physical function domain of SF-36
Exclusion criteria: could not climb 26 stairs in 126 seconds; had contraindications to exercise
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 12 exercises
Equipment: Thera-Band elastic bands
Intensity: self exertion of mild fatigue after 8RM
Frequency: Ex3 (2 at home 1 at gym)
Reps/Sets: started with 10/1-2, mild fatigue; then increased to 10/3 moderate fatigue at week 8 to week 16
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: home and gym
Supervision: provided in the gym
Adherence: each participant had exercise log, but results were not reported Participants in the final analysis had 70% compliance rate.
2. Control Group: no intervention, maintain usual activities
3. Aerobic walking group: N=33, 3 times/week; between 50% METs to 75% METs; endurance increasedfrom 10 minutes to 35 minutes
OutcomesArm curls (repetitions)
Chair rise (repetitions)
Stair ascend/descend
Down and up off the floor
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesNumerical results of SDs were not reported. Data were not pooled
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0 (?)
Intention-to-treat analysis: N/A
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 20 (11 in PRT)
Sample: healthy older adults
Age: mean 73.1 years (SD = 4.9)
Inclusion criteria: no neurological disease, free of medications known to affect the outcome measures; less than 3 hours a week of low to moderate intensity endurance exercise
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex : knee extension, each leg trained separately
Equipment: weight-stack machine (Icarian)
Intensity: 80% of 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 10/3
Duration: 16 weeks
Setting: lab
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: no training involved
OutcomesPrimary: physical function tests (including gait speed, chair rise, stair ascent/descent)
Secondary: muscle strength (1RM)
Comments on adverse events: no
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: High-intensity PRT, low-intensity PRT, and control
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 1
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 42 total (28 in HI and control)
Sample: sedentary, healthy
Age: mean 68.9 years (SD 5.7 years)
Inclusion criteria: aged 60+, medically healthy, sedentary (no involvement in regular exercise for the previous 6 months)
Exclusion criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 7UL/2LL, 2Tr
Equipment: dynamic variable resistance weight machines
Intensity: HI-75-85% 1RM; LI-55-65% 1RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: HI 8-12/2; LI 12-16/2
Program duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: not reported
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Aerobic capacity (VO2 max; bicycle ergometer testing)
SF-36
Physical self-efficacy
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesDate from high intensity PRT and low intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 0
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Sweden
N = 24
Sample: people with moderate to severe CHF
Age: mean 63 years (SD 9) in PRT group
Inclusion criteria: diagnosed with CHF; medically stable CHF in New York Heart Association Class II or III
Exclusion criteria: angina pectoris, valvular heart disease determined by Doppler, co-morbidity such as intermittent claudication, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or any other disorder limiting physical performance other than heart failure
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: many UL and LL exercises
Equipment: theraband
Intensity: low-moderate, used Borg rating scale and increased resistance when people rated peripheral resistance <13
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: 25/2
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Setting: group activity
Supervision: full
Adherence: 95%
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesAerobic capacity (Peak VO2 and 6 minute walk test)
Quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Index)
Comments on adverse events: yes
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 3 groups: High-intensity PRT, low-intensity PRT and control
Method of randomisation: stratified by strength, randomised using a random numbers table
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 22
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 38 (in HI group and control); N=36-LL
Sample: healthy men and women
Age: mean 67 years (SD 7)
Inclusion criteria: free from cardiovascular or orthopedic problems that would limit exercise (assessment included physical exam), had not participated in resistance exercise for at least one year
Excludion Criteria: not reported
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL/ 6LL
Equipment: resistance machines (MedX)
Intensity: high intensity: (80% of 1RM); low Intensity: (50% of 1RM)
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets: high Intensity: 8/1; low Intensity: 13/1
Program Duration: 6 months
Setting: gym
Supervision: full
Adherence: excluded those who completed less than 85% of sessions
2. Control Group: instructed not to make any changes in their lifestyle during the study
OutcomesStrength (1RM)
Peak VO2 (update)
Stair climb (update)
Comments on adverse events: yes
NotesAdded results from more recent publications
Date from high intensity PRT and low intensity PRT were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB- Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: yes
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 5
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: The Netherlands
N = 26
Sample: low knee-extensor muscle strength
Age: mean 75.9 years (SD 6.8) in the exercise group
Inclusion criteria: local residents 65 years and over
Exclusion criteria: maximum knee extensor torque for both legs >87.5 Nm, self-reported disease or condition such as uncontrolled heart failure or a neurological disease that would be adversely affected by the exercises in the program
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL, 3LL
Equipment: resistance training machines
Intensity: 75% of 5RM at first, progressed to 8-12RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets 8-12/1-2
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: excluded those who did not have 80% or more attendance
2. Control Group: asked not to make significant changes in their physical activity and nutrition habitsover a 12-week period
3. Aerobic Training: trained on treadmills and cycle ergometers 3 times per week at 60-70% estimatedHR reserve, for 21- 45 minutes per session
OutcomesStrength (maximum torque measured by the Quadriso-tester)
Gronigen Activity Restriction Scale, an ADL/IADL Index with scores from 18 (no limitations) to 72 (fully dependent)
Timed walking test
Timed up-and-go
Balance (FICSIT balance test, graded from 1-6)
Comments on adverse events: yes (asked about complaints during exercise)
Notes
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT
Method of randomisation: used www.randomization.com
Assessor blinding: not reported
Participant blinding: not reported
Loss to follow-up: 0 in PRT group, 4/14 in the control group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: Austria
N = 28 (14 in each group)
Sample: healthy older adults
Age: mean 76.2 years (SD = 3.2)
Inclusion criteria: older than 70 years, healthy cardio-pulmonary system, untrained
Exclusion criteria: participated in a resistance training program; or cardiac arrhythmia, recent myocardial infarct, stroke, cancer, or an ill-treated hypertonia
InterventionsPRT versus control
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 4UL/1LL
Equipment: machines
Intensity: increase weight after 1 0th repetitions
Frequency: Ex2
Reps/sets week 1-4: 8/1 week 5-8: 8/3; week 9-12: 8/4
Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: not reported
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: not reported, provided make-up sessions
2. Control Group: not reported
OutcomesVO2max
Muscle strength
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesNumerical results of muscle strength were not reported
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear
MethodsRCT with 4 groups: PRT alone, aerobic training alone, combined PRT and aerobic training and control
Method of randomisation: not reported
Assessor blinding: no
Participant blinding: no
Loss to follow-up: 9 in four groups - drop outs not reported by group
Intention-to-treat analysis: no
Post-program follow up: no
ParticipantsLocation: USA
N = 45 total (16 in PRT and control)
Sample: healthy older people
Age: mean 69.8 years (SD 6) in PRT
Inclusion criteria: aged 60-84, no diseases or conditions that would put them at high risk for adverse responses to exercise
Inclusion criteria: history of surviving sudden cardiac death, recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, poorly controlled hypertension, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, frequent or complex ventricular ec-topy, significant cognitive dysfunction that might interfere with one's ability to adhere to exercise protocols, in the inflammatory stage of arthritis, receiving medical treatment for osteoporosis
InterventionsPRT versus control and versus aerobic
1. PRT
Type of Ex: 5UL, 3LL
Equipment: resistance training machines
Intensity: 75% of 5RM at first, progressed to 8-12RM
Frequency: Ex3
Reps/Sets 8-12 from progressed from 1 set to 2 sets
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Setting: gym
Supervision: not reported
Adherence: excluded those who did not have 80% or more attendance
2. Control Group: asked not to make significant changes in their physical activity and nutrition habitsover a 12-week period
3. Aerobic Training: trained on treadmills and cycle ergometers 3 times per week at 60-70% estimatedHR reserve, for 21- 45 minutes per session
OutcomesStrength (5RM)
Submaximal aerobic capacity
Co-ordination
Comments on adverse events: no
NotesData from PRT and aerobic training group were compared
Risk of bias
ItemAuthors' judgementDescription
Allocation concealment?UnclearB - Unclear

ADL: activities of daily living

Age: overall age of all groups. If this is not available age for progressive resistance training group alone is reported

CHF: congestive heart failure

CHD:coronary heart disease

COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Ex: exercise

Ex1: exercise once per week

Ex2: exercise twice per week

Ex3: exercise three times per week

HI: high intensity

MI: Medium intensity

LI: low intensity

LL: lower limb

METs: maximum metabolic equivalents

MMSE: the Mini-Mental State Examination

N: number of participants allocated to strength training group and control group; or number of participants allocated to additional intervention group

NA: not applicable

OA: osteoarthritis

PAD: peripheral arterial disease RCT: Randomised controlled trial

PRT: progressive resistance strength training Reps: repetitions

RM: repetition maximum

SF-36: Medical Outcome Studies 36 Item Short Form questionnaire

Tr: trunk

TUAG: timed “up-and-go” test

UL: upper limb

WOMAC: Western Ontario/McMaster Universities Arthritis Index

Characteristics of excluded studies [ordered by study ID]

StudyReason for exclusion
Adami 1999Not a RCT
Adams 2001Participants too young (mean age <60)
Agre 1988Not a RCT
Alexander 2003Combined program - not PRT alone
Aniansson 1981Not a RCT
Annesi 2004Combined intervention program - not PRT alone
Ardman 1998Not a RCT
Ballard 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
Barbosa 2002Not a RCT
Baum 2003bDoes not meet criteria for PRT
Bean 2002Does not meet criteria for PRT
Bellew 2003Not a RCT
Beniamini 1997Participants too young (mean age <60)
Beniamini 1999Participants too young (mean age <60)
Berg 1998Not a RCT
Bernard 1999Combined program - not PRT alone
Bilodeau 2000Participants too young (mean age <60)
Binda 2003Does not meet for criteria for PRT
Binder 2002Combined program - not PRT alone
Boardley 2007No relevant outcomes to the review
Braith 2005No relevant outcomes to the review
Brandon 2003bDoes not meet the criteria for PRT - not progressive
Brandon 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
Brill 1998Not a RCT
Brose 2003Combined program - not PRT alone
Brown 1990Not a RCT
Brown 1991Combined program - not PRT alone
Brown 2000Combined program - not PRT alone
Bunout 2001Combined program - not PRT alone
Campbell 2002No relevant outcomes to the review
Campbell 2004No relevant outcomes to the review
Cancela 2003Article cannot be located.
Candow 2004Combined program (with supplement) - not PRT alone
Capodaglio 2002Not a RCT
Carter 2002Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Carter 2005Included participants younger than 60
Carvalho 2002No relevant outcomes to the review
Cauza 2005No relevant outcomes to the review
Cauza 2005bIncluded young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Chaloupka 2000Participants too young (mean age <60)
Chetlin 2004Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Chiba 2006Not a RCT
Chien 2005Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Connelly 1995Not a RCT
Connelly 2000Not a RCT
Cramp 2006Not a RCT
Cress 1991Not a RCT
Cress 1999Combined program - not PRT alone
Daepp 2006Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Daly 2005Combined program - not PRT alone
de Bruin 2007No relevant comparisons to the review
de Vito 1999Combined program - not PRT alone
DeBolt 2004Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Delagardelle 2002Combined program - not PRT alone
Delecluse 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
DeVito 2003Combined program - not PRT alone
Dibble 2006Not a RCT
Dibble 2006bNot a RCT
Dunstan 2002Not PRT alone – with eating plan
Dunstan 2005Not PRT alone – with eating plan
Dupler 1993Not a RCT
Fernandez Ramirez 99Combined program - not PRT alone
Ferrara 2006Not a RCT
Ferri 2003Not a RCT
Fiatarone 1990Not a RCT
Fisher 1991Not a RCT
Forte 2003Not a RCT
Frontera 1988 Frontera 1990Not a RCT Not a RCT
Frontera 1990Not a RCT
Galvao 2006Not a RCT
Grimby 1992Not a RCT
Gur 2002Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Hageman 2002Not a RCT
Hakkinen 1999Participants too young (mean age <60)
Hameed 2004Combined program (with hormone intervention)
Hartard 1996Not a RCT
Haub 2002Combined program (protein) - not PRT alone
Heiwe 2005No relevant outcomes to the review
Henwood 2006Does not meet the criteria for PRT - not progressive
Hess 2005Not a RCT
Hess 2006Not a RCT
Hirsch 2003Combined program - not PRT alone
Host 2007Combined program - not PRT alone
Huggett 2004No relevant outcomes to the review
Hughes 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
Humphries 2000Participants too young (mean age <60)
Hung 2004Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Hunter 1995Not a RCT
Hunter 2002Not a RCT
Ibanez 2005Not a RCT
Ivey 2000Not a RCT
Johansen 2006Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Jones 1987Participants too young (mean age <60)
Judge 2005No relevant outcomes to the review
Katula 2006Not a RCT
Kerr 2001No relevant outcomes to the review
Kolbe-Alexander 2006Not a RCT
Komatireddy 1997Participants too young (mean age <60)
La Forge 2002No relevant outcomes to the review
Labarque 2002Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Lambert 2002No relevant outcomes to the review
Lambert 2003Combined program (with hormone) - not PRT alone
Lamotte 2005No relevant outcomes to the review
Levinger 2005Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Lexell 1992Not a RCT
Lexell 1995Not a RCT (not clearly stated that patients were randomised)
Littbrand 2006Combined program - not PRT alone
Liu 2004Training did not meet criteria for PRT - not progressive
Liu-Ambrose 2004No relevant outcomes to the review
Loeppky 2005Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Lohman 1995Participants too young (mean age <60)
Maddalozzo 2000Participants too young (mean age <60)
Magnusson 1996Participants too young (mean age <60)
Marcora 2005Not a RCT
Martin Ginis 2006No relevant comparisons to the review
McCool 1991Not a RCT
McMurdo 1994Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Mobily 2004Not a RCT
Morey 1989Combined program - not PRT alone
Morey 1991Combined program - not PRT alone
Morse 2005Combined program - not PRT alone
Narici 1989Participants too young (mean age <60)
Nelson 1997Combined program - not PRT alone
Ochala 2005Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Ohira 2006Training did not meet criteria for PRT - not progressive/included young participants
Oka 2000Combined program - not PRT alone
Okawa 2004Included younger participants (middle age)
Okumiya 1996Combined program - not PRT alone
Panton 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
Parsons 1992Not a RCT
Perhonen 1992Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Perkins 1961Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Perrig-Chiello 1998No relevant outcomes to the review
Petrella 2000Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Phillips 2004Not a RCT
Pyka 1994Serious threats to internal validity - participants allowed to move from exercise to control group-Not a RCT
Rabelo 2004Training did not meet criteria for PRT - not progressive
Ramsbottom 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
Reeves 2004bDoes not meet the criteria for PRT
Reeves 2005Not a RCT
Reeves 2006Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Richards 1996Not a RCT
Roman 1993Not a RCT
Rooks 1997Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Salli 2006Training did not meet criteria for PRT - not progressive
Sallinen 2006Combined program (with diet) - not PRT alone
Sanders 1998Not a RCT
Sartorio 2001No relevant outcomes to the review
Sauvage 1992Combined program - not PRT alone
Sayers 2003Not a RCT
Schott 2006Combined program (with supplement) - not PRT alone
Sharp 1997Not a RCT
Shaw 1998Not a RCT
Sherrington 1997Training did not meet criteria for PRT
Signorile 2005Does not meet the criteria for PRT - not progressive
Sinaki 1996Participants too young (mean age <60)
Sipila 1994Not a RCT
Spruit 2002Combined program - not PRT alone
Sullivan 2001Not a RCT
Taaffe 1997Not a RCT
Teixeira 2002Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Teixeira 2003Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Teixeira-Salm. 2005Combined program - not PRT alone
Thielman 2004No relevant outcomes to the review
Thomas 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
Thomas 2005Training did not meet criteria for PRT - The resistance was not progressively increased
Thompson 1988Combined program - not PRT alone
Timonen 2002Combined program - not PRT alone
Timonen 2006Combined program - not PRT alone
Timonen 2006bCombined program - not PRT alone
Treuth 1994Not a RCT
Trudelle-Jack. 2004Combined program - not PRT alone
Tsuji 2000Combined program - not PRT alone
Vad 2002Combined program - not PRT alone
Vale 2003Article cannot be identified
Valkeinen 2005Participants too young (mean age of the control group < 60)
Van den Ende 2000Combined program - not PRT alone
Vanbiervliet 2003Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Veloso 2003Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Verfaillie 1997Combined program - not PRT alone
Villareal 2003Combined program (with hormone)-not PRT alone
Villareal 2006bCombined program - not PRT alone
Vincent 2002bNo relevant outcomes to the review
Vincent 2003No relevant outcomes to the review
Vincent 2006Included young participants (younger than 60 years old)
Woo 2007Training did not meet criteria for PRT. The resistance was not progressively increased
Yang 2006Does not meet the criteria for PRT
Zion 2003Not a RCT

RCT = randomised controlled trial; PRT = progressive resistance strength training

Data and Analyses

Comparison 1. PRT versus control
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)332172Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.14 [0.05, 0.22]
2 Physical function domain of SF-36/SF-12 (Higher score = better function)14778Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.07 [-0.08, 0.21]
3 Activities of daily living measure (higher score = better function)3330Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.04 [-0.18, 0.26]
4 Activity level measure (kJ/week)2Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Subtotals only
5 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure733059Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)0.84 [0.67, 1.00]
6 Main measure of aerobic function291138Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)0.31 [0.09, 0.53]
7 VO2 or peak oxygen uptake19Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)Subtotals only
 7.1 VO2max-ml/kg.min18710Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)1.50 [0.49, 2.51]
 7.2 Peak oxygen uptake-L/min247Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)0.10 [-0.04, 0.24]
8 Six-minute walk test (meters)11325Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)52.37 [17.38, 87.37]
9 Balance measures (higher = better balance)17996Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.12 [-0.00, 0.25]
10 Balance measures (Low = better balance)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
 10.1 PRT (high intensity) versus control1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Not estimable
 10.2 PRT (low intensity) versus control1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Not estimable
11 Gait speed (m/s)241179Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)0.08 [0.04, 0.12]
12 Timed walk (seconds)8204Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-0.23 [-1.07, 0.62]
13 Timed “Up-and-Go” (seconds)12691Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-0.69 [-1.11, -0.27]
14 Time to stand from a chair11384Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)-0.94 [-1.49, -0.38]
15 Stair climbing (seconds)8268Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)-1.44 [-2.51, -0.37]
16 Chair stand within time limit (number of times)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
17 Vitality (SF-36/Vitality plus scale, higher = more vitality)10611Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)1.33 [-0.89, 3.55]
18 Pain (higher = less pain, Bodily pain on SF-36)10587Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.34 [-3.44, 4.12]
19 Pain (lower score = less pain)6503Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-0.30 [-0.48, -0.13]
20 Death131125Risk Ratio (M-H, Fixed, 95% CI)0.89 [0.52, 1.54]
Comparison 2. High versus low intensity PRT
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)262Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-0.17 [-0.67, 0.33]
2 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure9219Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)0.48 [0.03, 0.93]
3 VO2 Max (ml/kg/min)3101Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)1.82 [-0.79, 4.43]
4 Pain (higher score = less pain)262Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-0.05 [-0.55, 0.45]
5 Vitality (SF-36, higher score = more vitality)262Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)6.54 [0.69, 12.39]
Comparison 3. High versus variable intensity PRT
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure1Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)Totals not selected
2 VO2 Max (ml/kg/min)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
Comparison 4. PRT frequency
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main LL strength measure2Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
 1.1 Three times versus once per week1Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Not estimable
 1.2 Twice versus once per week1Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Not estimable
Comparison 5. PRT: 3-sets versus 1-sets
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure1Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
2 Six-minute walk test (meters)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
3 Timed walk (seconds)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
4 Time to stand from a chair (seconds)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
5 Stair climbing (seconds)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
Comparison 6. PRT versus aerobic training
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)4125Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-0.21 [-0.56, 0.15]
2 Main function measure (lower score = better function)1Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
3 Main lower limb strength measure10487Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)0.44 [0.08, 0.80]
4 VO2 max (ml/kg.min)8423Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)-1.13 [-2.63, 0.38]
5 Six minute walk test (meters)263Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-4.28 [-48.24, 39. 67]
6 Gait speed (m/s)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
7 Pain (lower score = less pain)1Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
Comparison 7. PRT versus functional exercise
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
2 Main lower limb strength measure3158Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-6.51 [-21.05, 8.04]
3 Timed “Up-and-Go” (seconds)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
4 Vitality (SF-36/Vitality plus scale, higher = more vitality)2147Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)-0.07 [-2.68, 2.54]
5 Pain (higher = less pain, Bodily pain on SF-36)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
Comparison 8. PRT versus flexibility training
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 SF36 (higher score = better function)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
2 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
3 Timed walk (seconds)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
4 Time to stand from a chair (seconds)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
5 Vitality (SF-36/Vitality plus scale, higher = more vitality)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
6 Pain (higher = less pain, Bodily pain on SF- 36)1Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
Comparison 9. Power training
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Main lower limb strength measure3Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Totals not selected
 1.1 High intensity (power treatment) versus control (control)2Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Not estimable
 1.2 High intensity (treatment) versus low intensity (control)2Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Not estimable
Comparison 10. PRT versus control supplementary analyses
Outcome or subgroup titleNo. of studiesNo. of participantsStatistical methodEffect size
1 Strength (grouped by allocation concealment)73Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Subtotals only
 1.1 Allocation concealed6607Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.12 [-0.04, 0.28]
 1.2 Concealment unknown672452Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.65 [0.56, 0.73]
2 Strength (grouped by assessor blinding)73Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)Subtotals only
 2.1 Blinded assessors191523Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.23 [0.13, 0.34]
 2.2 Assessors were not blinded541536Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.88 [0.77, 0.99]
3 Strength (grouped by intention-to-treat)733059Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.53 [0.46, 0.61]
 3.1 Intention-to-treat was used121041Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.18 [0.06, 0.30]
 3.2 Intention-to-treat was not used612018Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.74 [0.64, 0.83]
4 Strength (grouped by attention control)733059Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.53 [0.46, 0.61]
 4.1 Attention control241408Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.34 [0.23, 0.44]
 4.2 No attention control491651Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.72 [0.61, 0.82]
5 Strength (grouped by exercise intensity)723052Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.53 [0.45, 0.60]
 5.1 High intensity542026Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.60 [0.51, 0.70]
 5.2 Low-to-moderate intensity191026Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.39 [0.26, 0.51]
6 Strength (grouped by exercise duration)562564Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.53 [0.45, 0.61]
 6.1 Less than 12 weeks20828Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.52 [0.37, 0.66]
 6.2 Longer than 12 weeks361736Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.53 [0.43, 0.63]
7 Strength (grouped by health status)652428Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.60 [0.52, 0.69]
 7.1 Healthy participants461502Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.77 [0.66, 0.88]
 7.2 Older adults with a specific health problem19926Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.37 [0.24, 0.51]
8 Strength (grouped by functional limitations)542133Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.60 [0.51, 0.70]
 8.1 No functional limitations411349Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.81 [0.69, 0.93]
 8.2 With functional limitations13784Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)0.30 [0.16, 0.44]
Analysis 1.1. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f1a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f1b.jpg
Analysis 1.2. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 2 Physical function domain of SF-36/SF-12 (Higher score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f2.jpg
Analysis 1.3. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 3 Activities of daily living measure (higher score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f3.jpg
Analysis 1.4. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 4 Activity level measure (kJ/week)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f4.jpg
Analysis 1.5. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 5 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f5a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f5b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f5c.jpg
Analysis 1.6. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 6 Main measure of aerobic function
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f6a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f6b.jpg
Analysis 1.7. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 7 VO2 or peak oxygen uptake
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f7a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f7b.jpg
Analysis 1.8. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 8 Six-minute walk test (meters)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f8.jpg
Analysis 1.9. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 9 Balance measures (higher = better balance)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f9.jpg
Analysis 1.10. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 10 Balance measures (Low = better balance)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f10.jpg
Analysis 1.11. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 11 Gait speed (m/s)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f11.jpg
Analysis 1.12. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 12 Timed walk (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f12.jpg
Analysis 1.13. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 13 Timed “Up-and-Go” (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f13.jpg
Analysis 1.14. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 14 Time to stand from a chair
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f14.jpg
Analysis 1.15. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 15 Stair climbing (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f15.jpg
Analysis 1.16. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 16 Chair stand within time limit (number of times)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f16.jpg
Analysis 1.17. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 17 Vitality (SF-36/Vitality plus scale, higher = more vitality)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f17a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f17b.jpg
Analysis 1.18. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 18 Pain (higher = less pain, Bodily pain on SF-36)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f18a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f18b.jpg
Analysis 1.19. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 19 Pain (lower score = less pain)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f19.jpg
Analysis 1.20. Comparison 1 PRT versus control, Outcome 20 Death
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f20.jpg
Analysis 2.1. Comparison 2 High versus low intensity PRT, Outcome 1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f21.jpg
Analysis 2.2. Comparison 2 High versus low intensity PRT, Outcome 2 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f22.jpg
Analysis 2.3. Comparison 2 High versus low intensity PRT, Outcome 3 VO2 Max (ml/kg/min)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f23.jpg
Analysis 2.4. Comparison 2 High versus low intensity PRT, Outcome 4 Pain (higher score = less pain)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f24.jpg
Analysis 2.5. Comparison 2 High versus low intensity PRT, Outcome 5 Vitality (SF-36, higher score = more vitality)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f25.jpg
Analysis 3.1. Comparison 3 High versus variable intensity PRT, Outcome 1 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f26.jpg
Analysis 3.2. Comparison 3 High versus variable intensity PRT, Outcome 2 VO2 Max (ml/kg/min)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f27.jpg
Analysis 4.1. Comparison 4 PRT frequency, Outcome 1 Main LL strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f28.jpg
Analysis 5.1. Comparison 5 PRT: 3-sets versus 1-sets, Outcome 1 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f29.jpg
Analysis 5.2. Comparison 5 PRT: 3-sets versus 1-sets, Outcome 2 Six-minute walk test (meters)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f30.jpg
Analysis 5.3. Comparison 5 PRT: 3-sets versus 1-sets, Outcome 3 Timed walk (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f31.jpg
Analysis 5.4. Comparison 5 PRT: 3-sets versus 1-sets, Outcome 4 Time to stand from a chair (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f32.jpg
Analysis 5.5. Comparison 5 PRT: 3-sets versus 1-sets, Outcome 5 Stair climbing (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f33.jpg
Analysis 6.1. Comparison 6 PRT versus aerobic training, Outcome 1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f34.jpg
Analysis 6.2. Comparison 6 PRT versus aerobic training, Outcome 2 Main function measure (lower score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f35.jpg
Analysis 6.3. Comparison 6 PRT versus aerobic training, Outcome 3 Main lower limb strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f36.jpg
Analysis 6.4. Comparison 6 PRT versus aerobic training, Outcome 4 VO2 max (ml/kg.min)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f37.jpg
Analysis 6.5. Comparison 6 PRT versus aerobic training, Outcome 5 Six minute walk test (meters)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f38.jpg
Analysis 6.6. Comparison 6 PRT versus aerobic training, Outcome 6 Gait speed (m/s)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f39.jpg
Analysis 6.7. Comparison 6 PRT versus aerobic training, Outcome 7 Pain (lower score = less pain)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f40.jpg
Analysis 7.1. Comparison 7 PRT versus functional exercise, Outcome 1 Main function measure (higher score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f41.jpg
Analysis 7.2. Comparison 7 PRT versus functional exercise, Outcome 2 Main lower limb strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f42.jpg
Analysis 7.3. Comparison 7 PRT versus functional exercise, Outcome 3 Timed “Up-and-Go” (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f43.jpg
Analysis 7.4. Comparison 7 PRT versus functional exercise, Outcome 4 Vitality (SF-36/Vitality plus scale, higher = more vitality)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f44.jpg
Analysis 7.5. Comparison 7 PRT versus functional exercise, Outcome 5 Pain (higher = less pain, Bodily pain on SF-36)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f45.jpg
Analysis 8.1. Comparison 8 PRT versus flexibility training, Outcome 1 SF36 (higher score = better function)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f46.jpg
Analysis 8.2. Comparison 8 PRT versus flexibility training, Outcome 2 Main lower limb (LL) strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f47.jpg
Analysis 8.3. Comparison 8 PRT versus flexibility training, Outcome 3 Timed walk (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f48.jpg
Analysis 8.4. Comparison 8 PRT versus flexibility training, Outcome 4 Time to stand from a chair (seconds)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f49.jpg
Analysis 8.5. Comparison 8 PRT versus flexibility training, Outcome 5 Vitality (SF-36/Vitality plus scale, higher = more vitality)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f50.jpg
Analysis 8.6. Comparison 8 PRT versus flexibility training, Outcome 6 Pain (higher = less pain, Bodily pain on SF- 36)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f51.jpg
Analysis 9.1. Comparison 9 Power training, Outcome 1 Main lower limb strength measure
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f52.jpg
Analysis 10.1. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 1 Strength (grouped by allocation concealment)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f53a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f53b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f53c.jpg
Analysis 10.2. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 2 Strength (grouped by assessor blinding)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f54a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f54b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f54c.jpg
Analysis 10.3. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 3 Strength (grouped by intention-to-treat)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f55a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f55b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f55c.jpg
Analysis 10.4. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 4 Strength (grouped by attention control)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f56a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f56b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f56c.jpg
Analysis 10.5. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 5 Strength (grouped by exercise intensity)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f57a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f57b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f57c.jpg
Analysis 10.6. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 6 Strength (grouped by exercise duration)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f58a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f58b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f58c.jpg
Analysis 10.7. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 7 Strength (grouped by health status)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f59a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f59b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f59c.jpg
Analysis 10.8. Comparison 10 PRT versus control supplementary analyses, Outcome 8 Strength (grouped by functional limitations)
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f60a.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f60b.jpg
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nihms427251f60c.jpg

Appendix 1. Search strategies

Medline (OVID WEB)

  1. ((strength$ or resist$ or weight$) adj3 training).tw.
  2. progressive resist$.tw.
  3. or/1-2
  4. Exercise/
  5. Exercise Therapy/
  6. exercise$.tw.
  7. or/4-6
  8. (Resist$ training or strength$).tw.
  9. and/7-8
  10. or/3,9
  11. limit 10 to (“all aged (65 and over)” or “aged (80 and over)”)
  12. (elderly or senior$).tw.
  13. and/10,12
  14. or/11,13
  15. randomized controlled trial.pt.
  16. controlled clinical trial.pt.
  17. Randomized Controlled Trials/
  18. Random Allocation/
  19. Double Blind Method/
  20. Single Blind Method/
  21. or/15-20
  22. Animals/not Humans/
  23. 21 not 22
  24. clinical trial.pt.
  25. exp Clinical Trials as topic/
  26. (clinic$ adj25 trial$).tw.
  27. ((singl$ or doubl$ or trebl$ or tripl$) adj25 (blind$ or mask$)).tw.
  28. Placebos/
  29. placebo$.tw.
  30. random$.tw.
  31. Research Design/
  32. or/24-31
  33. 32 not 22
  34. 33 not 23
  35. or/23,34
  36. and/14,35

Embase (OVID WEB)

  1. ((strength$ or resist$ or weight$) adj3 training).tw.
  2. progressive resist$.tw.
  3. or/1-2
  4. Exercise/
  5. Kinesiotherapy/or Therapy Resistance/
  6. exercise$.tw.
  7. or/4-6
  8. (resist$ or strength$).tw.
  9. and/7-8
  10. or/3,9
  11. limit 10 to aged <65+ years>
  12. (elderly or senior$).tw.
  13. and/10,12
  14. or/11,13
  15. Clinical trial/
  16. Randomized controlled trial/
  17. Randomization/
  18. Single blind procedure/
  19. Double blind procedure/
  20. Crossover procedure/
  21. Placebo/
  22. Randomi?ed controlled trial$.tw.
  23. Rct.tw.
  24. Random allocation.tw.
  25. Randomly allocated.tw.
  26. Allocated randomly.tw.
  27. (allocated adj2 random).tw.
  28. Single blind$.tw.
  29. Double blind$.tw.
  30. ((treble or triple) adj blind$).tw.
  31. Placebo$.tw.
  32. Prospective study/
  33. or/15-32
  34. Case study/
  35. Case report.tw.
  36. Abstract report/or letter/
  37. or/34-36
  38. 33 not 37
  39. limit 38 to human
  40. and/14,39

The Cochrane Library (Wiley)

  • #1 ((strength* or resist* or weight*) NEAR/3 training):ti,ab,kw
  • #2 (progressive resist*):ti,ab,kw
  • #3 #1 OR #2
  • #4 MeSH descriptor Exercise, this term only
  • #5 MeSH descriptor Exercise Therapy, this term only
  • #6 (exercise*):ti,ab,kw
  • #7 (#4 OR #5 OR #6)
  • #8 (resist* or strength*):ti,ab,kw
  • #9 (#7 AND #8)
  • # 10(#3 OR #9)
  • #11 (elderly or senior*):ti,ab,kw
  • #12 (#10 AND #11)

Cinahl (OVID WEB)

  1. ((strength$ or resist$ or weight$) adj3 training).tw.
  2. progressive resist$.tw.
  3. or/1-2
  4. Exercise/
  5. Therapeutic Exercise/
  6. “Exercise therapy: ambulation (iowa nic)”/or “Exercise therapy: balance (iowa nic)”/or “Exercise therapy: joint mobility (iowa nic)”/or “Exercise therapy: muscle control (iowa nic)”/or “Teaching: prescribed activity/exercise (iowa nic)”/
  7. exercise$.tw.
  8. or/4-7
  9. (resist$ or strength$).tw.
  10. and/8-9
  11. or/3,10
  12. limit 11 to (aged <65 to 79 years> or “aged <80 and over>”)
  13. (elderly or senior$).tw.
  14. and/11,13
  15. or/12,14
  16. exp Clinical Trials/
  17. exp Evaluation Research/
  18. exp Comparative Studies/
  19. exp Crossover Design/
  20. clinical trial.pt.
  21. or/16-20
  22. ((clinical or controlled or comparative or placebo or prospective or randomi#ed) adj3 (trial or study)).tw.
  23. (random$ adj7 (allocat$ or allot$ or assign$ or basis$ or divid$ or order$)).tw.
  24. ((singl$ or doubl$ or trebl$ or tripl$) adj7 (blind$ or mask$)).tw.
  25. (cross?over$ or (cross adj1 over$)).tw.
  26. ((allocat$ or allot$ or assign$ or divid$) adj3 (condition$ or experiment$ or intervention$ or treatment$ or therap$ or control$ or group$)).tw.
  27. or/22-26
  28. or/21,27
  29. and/15,28

SPORTDiscus (OVID WEB)

  1. ((strength$ or resist$ or weight$) adj3 training).tw.
  2. progressive resist$.tw.
  3. or/1-2
  4. Exercise/
  5. Exercise therapy/
  6. exercise$.tw.
  7. or/4-6
  8. (resist$ or strength$).tw.
  9. and/7-8
  10. or/3,9
  11. (elderly or senior$).tw.
  12. and/10-11
  13. exp Clinical trial/
  14. exp Randomized controlled trial/
  15. Placebo/
  16. ((clinical or controlled or comparative or placebo or prospective or randomi#ed) adj3 (trial or study)).tw.
  17. (random$ adj7 (allocat$ or allot$ or assign$ or basis$ or divid$ or order$)).tw.
  18. ((singl$ or doubl$ or trebl$ or tripl$) adj7 (blind$ or mask$)).tw.
  19. (cross?over$ or (cross adj1 over$)).tw.
  20. ((allocat$ or allot$ or assign$ or divid$) adj3 (condition$ or experiment$ or intervention$ or treatment$ or therap$ or control$ or group$)).tw.
  21. or/13-20
  22. and/12,21

Footnotes

*Indicates the major publication for the study

Contributions of Authors: For the first version of the review (completed 2002), Dr Nancy Latham, Dr Craig Anderson, Dr Derrick Bennett and Dr Caroline Stretton contributed to the development of the protocol, the analysis and interpretation of the data and the write-up of the review. Dr Nancy Latham took the lead in conducting the analyses and writing the protocol and review. In addition, Dr Latham and Dr Stretton conducted the searches, identified the trials, conducted the quality assessments and extracted the data. Dr Bennett provided methodological and statistical guidance for the review. Dr Anderson served as the adjudicator when a consensus about data issues could not be reached between the two reviewers, and provided guidance about the methods and interpretation of the review.

The review was substantially updated in 2009 by Dr Chiung-ju Liu and Dr Nancy Latham. Dr Liu took the lead in conducting the update, which included undertaking the searches, screening search results, organizing retrieval of papers, screening retrieved papers against inclusion criteria, appraising quality of papers, extracting data, contacting authors for additional information, entering data into RevMan, doing the analyses and writing up. The project was completed when Dr Liu was a post-doctoral research fellow at the Health and Disability Research Institute at Boston University. Dr Latham assisted in identifying the trials, conducting the quality assessments, extracting the data, interpreting the results and writing the review.

Both Dr Chiung-ju Liu and Dr Nancy Latham are guarantors for the review.

Declarations of Interest: Dr. Latham is an author for two trials. The trials were rated independently by other reviewers in the first review.

Notes: Substantial updates of reviews such as this one often take a considerable time to prepare and then take through the editorial process. They can therefore seem ‘out of date’ before publication, particularly in research active areas. However, although an updated search made in May 2008 revealed nine more potentially eligible trials (which await assessment, pending the next update), it is unlikely that the review's main findings will be substantively changed by these. [Comment by Helen Handoll, Co-ordinating Editor, May 2009]

References to studies included in this review

Ades PA, Ballor DL, Ashikaga T, Utton JL, Nair KS. Weight training improves walking endurance in healthy elderly persons. Annals of Internal Medicine. 1996;124(6):568–72. MEDLINE: 96175655. [PubMed]
Baker KR, Nelson ME, Felson DT, Layne JE, Sarno R, Roubenoff R. The efficacy of home based progressive strength training in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Rheumatology. 2001;28:1655–65. [PubMed]
Balagopal P, Schimke JC, Ades P, Adey D, Nair KS. Age effect on transcript levels and synthesis rate of muscle MHC and response to resistance exercise. American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2001;280(2):E203–8. [PubMed]
Ballor DL, Harvey-Berino JR, Ades PA, Cryan J, Calles-Escandon J. Contrasting effects of resistance and aerobic training on body composition and metabolism after diet-induced weight loss. Metabolism: Clinical & Experimental. 1996;45(2):179–83. [PubMed]
Barrett CJ, Smerdely P. A comparison of community-based resistance exercise and flexibility exercise for seniors. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. 2002;48(3):215–9. [PubMed]
Baum EE, Jarjoura D, Polen AE, Faur D, Rutechi G. Effectiveness of a group exercise program in a long-term care facility: a randomized pilot trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 2003;4(2):74–80. [PubMed]
Bean JF, Herman S, Kiely DK, Frey IC, Leveille SG, Fielding RA, et al. Increased Velocity Exercise Specific to Task (InVEST) training: a pilot study exploring effects on leg power, balance, and mobility in community-dwelling older women. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2004;52(5):799–804. [PubMed]
Beneka A, Malliou P, Fatouros I, Jamurtas A, Gioftsidou A, Godolias G, et al. Resistance training effects on muscular strength of elderly are related to intensity and gender. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport. 2005;8(3):274–83. [PubMed]
Bermon S, Philip P, Ferrari P, Candito M, Dolisi C. Effects of a short-term strength training programme on lymphocyte subsets at rest in elderly humans. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology. 1999;79(4):336–40. [PubMed]
Boshuizen HC, Stemmerik L, Westhoff MH, Hopman-Rock M. The effects of physical therapists' guidance on improvement in a strength-training program for the frail elderly. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity. 2005;13(1):5–22. [PubMed]
Brandon LJ, Boyetter LW, Gaasch DA, Lloyd DG. Effects of lower extremity strength training on functional mobility in older adults. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity. 2000;8(3):214–27.
Brandon LJ, Gaasch DA, Boyette LW, Lloyd AM. Effects of long-term resistive training on mobility and strength in older adults with diabetes. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2003;58(8):740–5. [PubMed]
Ades PA, Savage PD, Brochu M, Tischler MD, Lee NM, Poehlman ET. Resistance training increases total daily energy expenditure in disabled older women with coronary heart disease. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2005;98(4):1280–5. [PubMed]
Ades PA, Savage PD, Cress ME, Brochu M, Lee NM, Poehlman ET. Resistance training on physical performance in disabled older female cardiac patients. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2003;35(8):1265–70. [PubMed]
* Brochu M, Savage P, Lee M, Dee J, Cress ME, Poehlman ET, et al. Effects of resistance training on physical function in older disabled women with coronary heart disease. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2002;92(2):672–8. [PubMed]
Bruunsgaard H, Bjerregaard E, Schroll M, Pedersen BK. Muscle strength after resistance training is inversely correlated with baseline levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors in the oldest old. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2004;52(2):237–41. [PubMed]
* Buchner DM, Cress ME, de Lateur BJ. The effect of strength and endurance training on gait, balance, fall risk and health services use in community-living older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 1997;52(4):M218–24. [PubMed]
Buchner DM, Cress ME, de Lateur BJ, Wagner EH. Variability in the effect of strength training on skeletal muscle in older adults. Facts and Research in Gerontology. 1993;7:143–53.
Coleman EA, Buchner DM, Cress ME, Chan BKS, de Lateur BJ. The relationship of joint symptoms with exercise performance in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1996;44(1):14–21. [PubMed]
Casaburi R, Bhasin S, Cosentino L, Porszasz J, Somfay A, Lewis MI, et al. Effects of testosterone and resistance training in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine. 2004;170(8):870–8. [PubMed]
Castaneda C, Gordon PL, Uhlin KL, Levery AS, Kehayias JJ, Dwyer JT, et al. Resistance training to counteract the catabolism of a low-protein diet in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2001;135(11):965–76. [PubMed]
Castaneda C, Gordon PL, Parker RC, Uhlin KL, Roubenoff R, Levey AS. Resistance training to reduce the malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome of chronic kidney disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2004;43(4):607–16. [PubMed]
Chandler JM, Duncan PW, Kochersberger G, Studenski S. Is lower extremity strength gain associated with improvement in physical performance and disability in frail, community-dwelling elders? Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1998;79(1):24–30. [PubMed]
Charette S, McEvoy L, Pyka G. Muscle hypertrophy response to resistance training in older women. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1991;70(5):1912–6. [PubMed]
Chin A Paw MJM, Van Poppel MNM, Twisk JWR, Van Mechelen W. Effects of resistance and all-round, functional training on quality of life, vitality and depression of older adults living in long-term care facilities: A ‘randomized’ controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics. 2004;4:1–9. ISRCTN87177281. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
* Chin A Paw MJM, Van Poppel MNM, Twisk JWR, Van Mechelen W. Once a week not enough, twice a week not feasible? A randomised controlled exercise trial in long-term care facilities. Patient Education & Counseling. 2006;63(1-2):205–14. ISRCTN87177281. [PubMed]
Chin A Paw MJM, Van Poppel MNM, Van Mechelen W. Effects of resistance and functional-skills training on habitual activity and constipation among older adults living in long-term care facilities: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics. 2006;6:9. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Collier CD. Isotonic resistance training related functional fitness, physical self-efficacy and depression in adults ages 65-85 (thesis) Stillwater (OK): Oklahoma State University; 1997.
Damush TM, Damush JG., Jr The effects of strength training on strength and health-related quality of life in older adult women. Gerontologist. 1999;39(6):705–10. [PubMed]
* de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Orr R, Fiatarone-Singh MA. Optimal load for increasing muscle power during explosive resistance training in older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2005;60(5):638–47. [PubMed]
Orr R, de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Fiatarone-Singh MA. Power training improves balance in healthy older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2006;61(1):78–85. [PubMed]
de Vreede PL, Samson MM, Van Meeteren NL, Van der Bom JG, Duursma SA, Verhaar HJ. Functional tasks exercise versus resistance exercise to improve daily function in older women: a feasibility study. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2004;85(12):1952–61. [PubMed]
de Vreede PL, Samson MM, Van Meeteren NLU, Duursma SA, Verhaar HJJ. Functional-task exercise versus resistance strength exercise to improve daily function in older women: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2005;53(1):2–10. [PubMed]
* de Vreede PL, Van Meeteren NL, Samson MM, Wittink HM, Duursma SA, Verhaar HJ. The effect of functional tasks exercise and resistance exercise on health-related quality of life and physical activity: A randomized controlled trial. Gerontology. 2007;53(1):12–20. [PubMed]
DeBeliso M, Harris C, Spitzer-Gibson T, Adams KJ. A comparison of periodised and fixed repetition training protocol on strength in older adults. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport. 2005;8(2):190–9. [PubMed]
DiFrancisco-Donoghue J, Werner W, Douris P. Comparison of once-weekly and twice-weekly strength training in older adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2007;41(1):19–22. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Donald IP, Pitt K, Armstrong E, Shuttleworth H. Preventing falls on an elderly care rehabilitation ward. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2000;14(2):178–85. [PubMed]
Earles DR, Judge JO, Gunnarsson OT. Velocity training induces power-specific adaptations in highly functioning older adults. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2001;82(7):872–8. [PubMed]
* Ettinger WH, Jr, Burns R, Messier SP, Applegate W, Rejeski WJ, Morgan T, et al. A randomized trial comparing aerobic exercise and resistance exercise with a health education program in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The Fitness Arthritis and Seniors Trial (FAST) JAMA. 1997;277(1):25–31. [PubMed]
Mangani I, Cesari M, Kritchevsky SB, Maraldi C, Carter CS, Atkinson HH, et al. Physical exercise and comorbidity. Results from the Fitness and Arthritis in Seniors Trial (FAST) Aging-Clinical & Experimental Research. 2006;18(5):374–80. [PubMed]
Messier SP, Royer TD, Craven TE, O'Toole ML, Burns R, Ettinger WH., Jr Long-term exercise and its effect on balance in older, osteoarthritic adults: results from the Fitness, Arthritis and Seniors Trial (FAST) Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2000;48(2):131–8. [PubMed]
Penninx B, Rejeski WJ, Pandya J, Miller ME, Di Bari M, Applegate WB, et al. Exercise and depressive symptoms: A comparison of aerobic and resistance exercise effects on emotional and physical function in older persons with high and low depressive symptomatology. Journals of Gerontology Series B-Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences. 2002;57(2):124–32. [PubMed]
Rejeski WJ, Ettinger WH, Jr, Martin K, Morgan T. Treating disability in knee osteoarthritis with exercise therapy: a central role for self-efficacy and pain. Arthritis Care & Research. 1998;11(2):94–101. [PubMed]
Sevick MA, Bradham DD, Muender M, Chen GJ, Enarson C, Dailey M, et al. Cost-effectiveness of aerobic and resistance exercise in seniors with knee osteoarthritis. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2000;32(9):1534–40. [PubMed]
Fahlman MM, Boardley D, Lambert CP, Flynn MG. Effects of endurance training and resistance training on plasma lipoprotein profiles in elderly women. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2002;57(2):B54–60. [PubMed]
Fatouros I, Taxildaris K, Tokmakidis S, Kalapotharakos VI, Aggelousis N, Athanasopoulos S, et al. The effects of strength training, cardiovascular training and their combination on flexibility of inactive older adults. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2002;23(2):112–9. [PubMed]
Fatouros IG, Kambas A, Katrabasas I, Leontsini D, Chatzinikolaou A, Jamurtas AZ, et al. Resistance training and detraining effects on flexibility performance in the elderly are intensity-dependent. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2006;20(3):634–42. [PubMed]
* Fatouros IG, Kambas A, Katrabasas I, Nikolaidis K, Chatzinikolaou A, Leontsini D, et al. Strength training and detraining effects on muscular strength, anaerobic power, and mobility of inactive older men are intensity dependent. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2005;39(10):776–80. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Fatouros IG, Tournis S, Leontsini D, Jamurtas AZ, Sxina M, Thomakos P, et al. Leptin and adiponectin responses in overweight inactive elderly following resistance training and detraining are intensity related. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2005;90(11):5970–7. [PubMed]
* Fiatarone MA, O'Neill EF, Ryan ND, Clements KM, Solares GR, Nelson ME, et al. Exercise training and nutritional supplementation for physical frailty in very elderly people. New England Journal of Medicine. 1994;330(25):1769–75. [PubMed]
Singh MA, Ding W, Manfredi TJ, Solares GS, O'Neill EF, Clements KM. Insulin-like growth factor I in skeletal muscle after weight-lifting exercise in frail elders. American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism. 1999;277(40):E135–43. [PubMed]
Fiatarone MA, O'Neill EF, Doyle RN, Clements K. Efficacy of home-based resistance training in frail elders; Abstracts of the 16th Congress of the International Association of Gerontology; Bedford Park, South Australia. 1997 World Congress of Gerontology Inc; 1997. Abstract 985.
* Fielding RA, LeBrasseur NK, Cuoco A, Bean J, Mizer K, Fiatarone Singh MA. High-velocity resistance training increases skeletal muscle peak power in older women. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2002;50(4):655–62. see comment. [PubMed]
Sayers SP, Bean J, Cuoco A, LeBrasseur NK, Jette A, Fielding RA. Changes in function and disability after resistance training: does velocity matter? A pilot study. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2003;82(8):605–13. [PubMed]
Flynn MG, Fahlman M, Braun WA, Lambert CP, Bouillon LE, Brolinson PG, et al. Effects of resistance training on selected indexes of immune function in elderly women. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1999;86(6):1905–13. [PubMed]
Foley A, Halbert J, Hewitt T, Crotty M. Does hydrotherapy improve strength and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis - A randomised controlled trial comparing a gym based and a hydrotherapy based strengthening programme. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2003;62(12):1162–7. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Frontera WR, Hughes VA, Krivickas LS, Kim SK, Foldvari M, Roubenoff R. Strength training in older women: early and late changes in whole muscle and single cells. Muscle & Nerve. 2003;28(5):601–8. [PubMed]
Galvao DA, Taaffe DR. Resistance exercise dosage in older adults: Single- versus multiset effects on physical performance and body composition. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2005;53(12):2090–7. [PubMed]
Hagerman FC, Walsh SJ, Staron RS, Hikida RS, Gilders RM, Murray TF, et al. Effects of high-intensity resistance strength training on untrained older men 1. Strength, cardiovascular and metabolic responses. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2000;55A(7):B336–46. [PubMed]
Harris C, DeBeliso MA, Spitzer-Gibson TA, Adams KJ. The effect of resistance-training intensity on strength-gain response in the older adult. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2004;18(4):833–8. [PubMed]
Haykowsky M, Humen D, Teo K, Quinney A, Souster M, Bell G, et al. Effects of 16 weeks of resistance training on left ventricular morphology and systolic function in healthy men >60 years of age. American Journal of Cardiology. 2000;85(8):1002–6. [PubMed]
Haykowsky M, McGavock J, Vonder Muhll I, Koller M, Mandic S, Welsh R, et al. Effect of exercise training on peak aerobic power, left ventricular morphology, and muscle strength in healthy older women. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2005;60(3):307–11. [PubMed]
Hennessey JV, Chromiak JA, DellaVentura S, Reinert SE, Puhl J, Kiel DP, et al. Growth hormone administration and exercise effects on muscle fibre type and diameter in moderately frail older people. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2001;49(7):852–8. [PubMed]
Hepple RT, Mackinnon SL, Goodman MJ, Thomas SG, Plyley MJ. Resistance and aerobic training in older men: effects on VO2 peak and the capillary supply to skeletal muscle. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1997;82(4):1305–10. [PubMed]
* Hiatt WR, Wolfel EE, Meier RH, Regensteiner JG. Superiority of treadmill walking exercise versus strength training for patients with peripheral arterial disease. Circulation. 1994;90(4):1866–74. [PubMed]
Regensteiner JG, Steiner JF, Hiatt WR. Exercise training improves functional status in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 1996;23(1):104–15. [PubMed]
Hortobagyi T, Tunnel D, Moody J, Beam S, DeVita P. Low- or high-intensity strength training partially restores impaired quadriceps force accuracy and steadiness in aged adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2001;56(1):B38–47. [PubMed]
Hruda KV, Hicks AL, McCartney N. Training for muscle power in older adults: effects on functional abilities. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology. 2003;28(2):178–89. [PubMed]
Hunter GR, Wetzstein CA, McLafferty CL, Jr, Zuckerman PA, Landers KA, Bamman MM. High-resistance versus variable-resistance training in older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2001;33(10):1759–64. [PubMed]
Izquierdo M, Ibanez J, Hakkinen K, Kraemer WJ, Larrion JL, Gorostiaga EM. Once weekly combined resistance and cardiovascular training in healthy older men. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2004;36(3):435–43. [PubMed]
Jette AM, Harris BA, Sleeper L, Lachman ME, Heislein D, Giorgetti M, et al. A home-based exercise program for nondisabled older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1996;44(6):644–9. [PubMed]
Dancewicz TM, Krebs DE, McGibbon CA. Lower-limb extensor power and lifting characteristics in disabled elders. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 2003;40(4):337–47. [PubMed]
* Jette AM, Lachman M, Giorgetti MM, Assman SF, Harris BA, Levenson C, et al. Exercise - it's never too late: The strong-for-life program. American Journal of Public Health. 1999;89(1):66–72. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Krebs DE, Jette AM, Assmann SF. Moderate exercise improves gait stability in disabled elders. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 1998;79(12):1489–95. [PubMed]
Jones CJ, Rikli RE, Benedict J, Williamson P. Effects of a resistance training program on leg strength and muscular endurance in older women. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 1995;5(6):329–41. [PubMed]
Jubrias SA, Esselman PC, Price LB, Cress ME, Conley KE. Large energetic adaptations of elderly muscle to resistance and endurance training. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2001;90(5):1663–70. [PubMed]
* Judge JO, Whipple RH, Wolfson LI. Effects of resistance and balance exercises on isokinetic strength in older persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1994;42(9):937–46. [PubMed]
Wolfson L, Whipple R, Derby C, Judge J, King M, Amerman P, et al. Balance and strength training in older adults: intervention gains and tai chi maintenance. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1996;44(5):498–506. [PubMed]
* Kalapotharakos VI, Michalopoulos M, Tokmakidis SP, Godolias G, Gourgoulis V. Effects of a heavy and a moderate resistance training on functional performance in older adults. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2005;19(3):652–7. [PubMed]
Kalapotharakos VI, Michalopoulou M, Godolias G, Tokmakidis SP, Malliou PV, Gourgoulis V. The effects of high- and moderate-resistance training on muscle function in the elderly. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity. 2004;12(2):131–43. [PubMed]
Kalapotharakos VI, Michalopoulou M, Tokmakidis S, Godolias G, Strimpakos N, Karteroliotis K. Effects of a resistance exercise programme on the performance of inactive older adults. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. 2004;11(7):318–23.
Kalapotharakos VI, Tokmakidis SP, Smilios I, Michalopoulos M, Gliatis J, Godolias G. Resistance training in older women: effect on vertical jump and functional performance. Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness. 2005;45(4):570–5. [PubMed]
Kallinen M, Sipila S, Alen M, Suominen H. Improving cardiovascular fitness by strength or endurance training in women aged 76-78 years. A population-based, randomized controlled trial. Age and Ageing. 2002;31(4):247–54. [PubMed]
Katznelson L, Robinson MW, Coyle CL, Lee H, Farrell CE. Effects of modest testosterone supplementation and exercise for 12 weeks on body composition and quality of life in elderly men. European Journal of Endocrinology. 2006;155(6):867–75. [PubMed]
Kongsgaard M, Backer V, Jorgensen K, Kjaer M, Beyer N. Heavy resistance training increases muscle size, strength and physical function in elderly male COPD-patients - a pilot study. Respiratory Medicine. 2004;98(10):1000–7. [PubMed]
Krebs DE, Scarborough DM, McGibbon CA. Functional vs. strength training in disabled elderly outpatients. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2007;86(2):93–103. [PubMed]
* Lamoureux E, Sparrow WA, Murphy A, Newton RU. The effects of improved strength on obstacle negotiation in community-living older adults. Gait & Posture. 2003;17(3):273–83. [PubMed]
Lamoureux EL, Murphy A, Sparrow A, Newton RU. The effects of progressive resistance training on obstructed-gait tasks in community-living older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2003;11(1):98–110.
Latham NK, Stretton CS, Ronald M. Progressive resistance strength training in hospitalised older people: a preliminary investigation. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 2001;29(2):41–8.
* Latham NK, Anderson CS, Lee A, Bennett D, Moseley AM, Cameron ID. A randomized, controlled trial of quadriceps resistance exercise and vitamin D in frail older people: the Frailty Interventions Trial in Elderly Subjects (FITNESS) Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2003;51(3):291–9. [PubMed]
Liu-Ambrose T, Khan KM, Eng JJ, Janssen PA, Lord SR, McKay HA. Resistance and agility training reduce fall risk in women aged 75 to 85 with low bone mass: a 6-month randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2004;52(5):657–65. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Liu-Ambrose T, Khan KM, Eng JJ, Lord SR, McKay HA. Balance confidence improves with resistance or agility training: Increase is not correlated with objective changes in fall risk and physical abilities. Gerontology. 2004;50(6):373–82. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
* Liu-Ambrose TYL, Khan KM, Eng JJ, Lord SR, Lentle B, McKay HA. Both resistance and agility training reduce back pain and improve health-related quality of life in older women with low bone mass. Osteoporosis International. 2005;16(11):1321–9. [PubMed]
Liu-Ambrose TYL. Studies of fall risk and bone morphology in older women with low bone mass. British Columbia (Canada): The University of British Columbia; 2004. dissertation.
Macaluso A, Young A, Gibb KS, Rowe DA, De Vito G. Cycling as a novel approach to resistance training increases muscle strength, power, and selected functional abilities in healthy older women. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2003;95(6):2544–53. [PubMed]
Madden KM, Levy WC, Stratton JK. Exercise training and heart rate variability in older adult female subjects. Clinical & Investigative Medicine - Medecine Clinique et Experimentale. 2006;29(1):20–8. [PubMed]
Maiorana AJ, Briffa TG, Goodman C, Hung J. A controlled trial of circuit weight training on aerobic capacity and myocardial oxygen demand in men after coronary artery bypass surgery. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. 1997;17(4):239–47. [PubMed]
Malliou P, Fatouros I, Beneka A, Gioftsidou A, Zissi V, Godolias G, et al. Different training programs for improving muscular performance in healthy inactive elderly. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. 2003;11(4):189–95.
Mangione KK, Craik RL, Tomlinson SS, Palombaro KM. Can elderly patients who have had a hip fracture perform moderate- to high-intensity exercise at home? Physical Therapy. 2005;85(8):727–39. [PubMed]
Manini TM, Clark BC, Tracy BL, Burke J, Ploutz-Snyder L. Resistance and functional training reduces knee extensor position fluctuations in functionally limited older adults. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2005;95(5-6):436–46. [PubMed]
Maurer BT, Stern AG, Kinossian B, Cook KD, Schumacher HR. Osteoarthritis of the knee: isokinetic quadriceps exercise versus an educational intervention. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1999;80(10):1293–9. [PubMed]
McCartney N, Hicks A, Martin J, Webber C. A longitudinal trial of weight training in the elderly: continued improvements in year 2. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 1996;51(6):B425–33. [PubMed]
* McCartney N, Hicks AL, Martin J, Webber CE. Long-term resistance training in elderly: Effects on dynamic strength, exercise capacity, muscle and bone. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 1995;50(2):B97–104. [PubMed]
McGuigan MR, Bronks R, Newton RU, Sharman MJ, Graham JC, Cody DV, et al. Resistance training in patients with peripheral arterial disease: effects on myosin isoforms, fiber type distribution and capillary supply to skeletal muscle. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2001;56(7):B302–10. [PubMed]
McMurdo ME, Johnstone R. A randomized controlled trial of a home exercise programme for elderly people with poor mobility. Age and Ageing. 1995;24(5):425–8. [PubMed]
Mihalko SL, McAuley E. Strength training effects on subjective well-being and physical function in the elderly. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1996;4(1):56–68.
Mikesky AE, Mazzuca SA, Brandt KD, Perkins SM, Damush T, Lane KA. Effects of strength training on the incidence and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism - Arthritis Care and Research. 2006;55(5):690–9. [PubMed]
Miller MD, Crotty M, Whitehead C, Bannerman E, Daniels LA. Nutritional supplementation and resistance training in nutritionally at risk older adults following lower limb fracture: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2006;20(4):311–23. [PubMed]
Miszko TA, Cress ME, Slade JM, Covey CJ, Agrawal SK, Doerr CE. Effect of strength and power training on physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2003;58(2):171–5. [PubMed]
* Moreland J. Personal Communication. 2001
Moreland JD, Goldsmith CH, Huijbregts MP, Anderson RE, Prentice DM, Brunton KB, et al. Progressive resistance strengthening exercises after stroke: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2003;84(10):1433–40. [PubMed]
Morganti CM, Nelson ME, Fiatarone MA, Dallal GE, Economos CD, Crawford BM, et al. Strength improvements with 1 yr of progressive resistance training in older women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 1995;27(6):906–12. [PubMed]
* Nelson ME, Fiatarone MA, Morganti CM, Trice I, Greenberg RA, Evans WJ. Effects of high-intensity strength training on multiple risk factors for osteoporotic fractures. JAMA. 1994;272(24):1909–14. [PubMed]
Newnham J. The effects of a strengthening program on muscle function and mobility skills in an elderly instituionalised population [thesis] Montreal (Quebec): McGill University; 1995.
Nichols JF, Omizo DK, Peterson KK, Nelson KP. Efficacy of heavy-resistance training for active women over sixty: Muscular strength, body composition and program adherence. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1993;41(3):205–10. [PubMed]
Ouellette MM, LeBrasseur NK, Bean JF, Phillips E, Stein J, Frontera WR, et al. High-intensity resistance training improves muscle strength, self-reported function, and disability in long-term stroke survivors. Stroke. 2004;35(6):1404–9. [PubMed]
Parkhouse WS, Coupland DC, Li C, Vanderhoek KJ. IGF-1 bioavailabililty is increased by resistance training in older women with low bone mineral density. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 2000;113(2):75–83. [PubMed]
Hagberg JM, Graves JE, Limacher M, Woods DR, Leggett SH, Cononie C, et al. Cardiovascular responses of 70- to 79-year-old mean and women to exercise training. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1989;66(6):2589–94. [PubMed]
Panton LB, Graves JE, Pollock ML, Hagberg JM, Chen W. Effect of aerobic and resistance training on fractionated reaction time and speed of movement. Journal of Gerontology. 1990;45(1):M26–31. [PubMed]
* Pollock ML, Carroll JF, Graves JE, Leggett SH, Braith RW, Limacher M, et al. Injuries and adherence to walk/jog and resistance training programs in the elderly. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 1991;23(10):1194–200. [PubMed]
Pu CT, Johnson MT, Forman DE, Hausdorff JM, Roubenoff R, Foldvari M, et al. Randomized trial of progressive resistance training to counteract the myopathy of chronic heart failure. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2001;90(6):2341–50. [PubMed]
Rall LC, Meydani SN, Kehayias JJ, Dawson Hughes B, Roubenoff R. The effect of progressive resistance training in rheumatoid arthritis. Increased strength without changes in energy balance or body composition. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1996;39(3):415–26. [PubMed]
Rall LC, Rosen CJ, Dolnikowski G, Hartman WJ, Lundgren N, Abad LW, et al. Protein metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis and aging. Effects of muscle strength training and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1996;39(7):1115–24. [PubMed]
* Rall LC, Roubenoff R, Cannon JG, Abad LW, Dinarello CA, Meydani SN. Effects of progressive resistance training on immune response in aging and chronic inflammation. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 1996;28(11):1356–65. [PubMed]
* Reeves ND, Narici MV, Maganaris CN. In vivo human muscle structure and function: adaptations to resistance training in old age. Experimental Physiology. 2004;89(6):675–89. [PubMed]
Reeves ND, Narici MV, Maganaris CN. Strength training alters the viscoelastic properties of tendons in elderly humans. Muscle & Nerve. 2003;28(1):74–81. [PubMed]
Rhodes EC, Martin AD, Taunton JE, Donnely M, Warren J, Elliot J. Effects of one year of resistance training on the relation between muscular strength and bone density in elderly women. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2000;34(1):18–22. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Schilke JM, Johnson GO, Housh TJ, O'Dell JR. Effects of muscle-strength training on the functional status of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Nursing Research. 1996;45(2):68–72. [PubMed]
* Schlicht J. Effect of intense strength training on walking speed, standing balance and sit-to-stand performance in older adults [thesis] Storrs (CT): Univ. of Connecticut; 1999. [PubMed]
Schlicht J, Camaione DN, Owen SV. Effect of intense strength training on standing balance, walking speed and sit-to-stand performance in older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2001;56(5):M281–6. [PubMed]
Segal RJ, Reid RD, Courneya KS, Malone SC, Parliament MB, Scott CG, et al. Resistance exercise in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2003;21(9):1653–9. [PubMed]
Selig SE, Carey MF, Menzies DG, Patterson J, Geerling RH, Williams AD, et al. Moderate-intensity resistance exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure improves strength, endurance, heart rate variability, and forearm blood flow. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2004;10(1):21–30. [PubMed]
Seynnes O, Fiatarone Singh MA, Hue O, Pras P, Legros P, Bernard PL. Physiological and functional responses to low-moderate versus high-intensity progressive resistance training in frail elders. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2004;59(5):503–9. [PubMed]
Simoneau E, Martin A, Porter MM, Van Hoecke J. Strength training in old age: adaptation of antagonist muscles at the ankle joint. Muscle & Nerve. 2006;33(4):546–55. [PubMed]
Simons R, Andel R. The effects of resistance training and walking on functional fitness in advanced old age. Journal of Aging & Health. 2006;18(1):91–105. [PubMed]
Simpson K, Killian K, McCartney N, Lloyd DG, Jones NL. Randomised controlled trial of weightlifting exercise in patients with chronic airflow limitation. Thorax. 1992;47(2):70–5. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Sims J, Hill K, Davidson S, Gunn J, Huang N. Exploring the feasibility of a community-based strength training program for older people with depressive symptoms and its impact on depressive symptoms. BMC Geriatrics. 2006;6:18. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
* Singh NA, Clements KM, Fiatarone MA. A randomised trial of progressive resistance training in depressed elders. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 1997;52(1):M27–35. [PubMed]
Singh NA, Clements KM, Fiatarone Singh MA. The efficacy of exercise as a long-term antidepressant in elderly subjects: a randomized controlled trial. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2001;56(8):497–504. [PubMed]
Singh NA, Stavrinos TM, Scarbek Y, Galambos G, Liber C, Fiatarone Singh MA. A randomized controlled trial of high versus low intensity weight training versus general practitioner care for clinical depression in older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2005;60(6):768–76. [PubMed]
Siplia S, Multanen J, Kallinen M, Era P, Suominen H. Effects of strength and endurance training on isometric muscle strength and walking speed in elderly women. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 1996;156(4):457–64. [PubMed]
Skelton DA, Young A, Greig CA, Malbut KE. Effects of resistance training on strength, power, and functional abilities of women aged 75 and older. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1995;43(10):1081–7. [PubMed]
Skelton DA, McLaughlin AW. Training functional ability in old age. Physiotherapy. 1996;82(3):159–67.
Sousa N, Sampaio J. Effects of progressive strength training on the performance of the Functional Reach Test and the Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test in an elderly population from the rural north of Portugal. American Journal of Human Biology. 2005;17(6):746–51. [PubMed]
Suetta C, Aagaard P, Rosted A, Jakobsen AK, Duus B, Kjaer M, et al. Training-induced changes in muscle CSA, muscle strength, EMG, and rate of force development in elderly subjects after long-term unilateral disuse. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2004;97(5):1954–61. [PubMed]
Suetta C, Magnusson SP, Rosted A, Aagaard P, Jakobsen AK, Larsen LH, et al. Resistance training in the early postoperative phase reduces hospitalization and leads to muscle hypertrophy in elderly hip surgery patients - A controlled, randomized study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2004;52(12):2016–22. [PubMed]
* Sullivan DH, Roberson PK, Johnson LE, Bishara O, Evans WJ, Smith ES, et al. Effects of muscle strength training and testosterone in frail elderly males. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2005;37(10):1664–72. [PubMed]
Sullivan DH, Roberson PK, Smith ES, Price JA, Bopp MM. Effects of muscle strength training and megestrol acetate on strength, muscle mass, and function in frail older people. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2007;55(1):20–8. [PubMed]
Symons TB, Vandervoort AA, Rice CL, Overend TJ, Marsh GD. Effects of maximal isometric and isokinetic resistance training on strength and functional mobility in older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2005;60(6):777–81. [PubMed]
Pruitt LA, Taaffe DR, Marcus R. Effects of a one-year high-intensity versus low-intensity resistance training program on bone mineral density in older women. Journal of Bone & Mineral Research. 1995;10(11):1788–95. [PubMed]
* Taaffe DR, Pruitt L, Pyka G, Guido D, Marcus R. Comparative effects of high- and low- intensity resistance training on thigh muscle strength, fiber area, and tissue composition in elderly women. Clinical Physiology. 1996;16(4):381–92. [PubMed]
Taaffe DR, Pruitt L, Reim J, Butterfield G, Marcus R. Effect of sustained resistance training on basal metabolic rate in older women. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1995;43(5):465–71. [PubMed]
Taaffe DR, Duret C, Wheeler S, Marcus R. Once-weekly resistance exercise improves strength and neuromuscular performance in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1999;47(10):1208–14. [PubMed]
Mikesky AE, Topp R, Wigglesworth JK, Harsha DM, Edwards JE. Efficacy of a home-based training program for older adults using elastic tubing. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology. 1994;69(4):316–20. [PubMed]
* Topp R, Mikesky A, Wigglesworth J, Holt W, Edwards JE. The effect of a 12-week dynamic resistance strength training on gait velocity and balance in older adults. Gerontologist. 1993;33(4):501–6. [PubMed]
Topp R, Mikesky A, Dayhoff NE, Holt W. Effect of resistance training on strength, postural control and gait velocity in older adults. Clinical Nursing Research. 1996;5(4):407–21. [PubMed]
Topp R, Woolley S, Hornyak J, 3rd, Khuder S, Kahaleh B. The effect of dynamic versus isometric resistance training on pain and functioning among adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2002;83(9):1187–95. [PubMed]
Topp R, Boardley D, Morgan AL, Fahlman M, McNevin N. Exercise and functional tasks among adults who are functionally limited. Western Journal of Nursing Research. 2005;27(3):252–70. [PubMed]
Tracy BL, Byrnes WC, Enoka RM. Strength training reduces force fluctuations during anisometric contractions of the quadriceps femoris muscles in old adults. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2004;96(4):1530–40. [PubMed]
* Tsutsumi T. The effects of strength training on mood, self-efficacy, cardiovascular reactivity and quality of life in older adults [thesis] Boston (MA): Boston University; 1997.
Tsutsumi T, Don BM, Zaichkowsky LD, Delizonna LL. Physical fitness and psychological benefits of strength training in community dwelling older adults. Applied Human Science. 1997;16(6):257–66. [PubMed]
Tsutsumi T, Don BM, Zaichkowsky LD, Takenaka K, Oka K, Ohno T. Comparison of high and moderate intensity of strength training on mood and anxiety in older adults. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 1998;87(3 Pt 1):1003–11. [PubMed]
Tyni-Lenne R, Dencker K, Gordon A, Jansson E, Sylven C. Comprehensive local muscle training increases aerobic working capacity and quality of life and decreases neurohormonal activation in patients with chronic heart failure. European Journal of Heart Failure. 2001;3(1):47–52. [PubMed]
* Vincent KR, Braith BW. Resistance exercise and bone turnover in elderly men and women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002;34(1):17–23. [PubMed]
Vincent KR, Braith RW, Bottiglieri T, Vincent HK, Lowenthal DT. Homocysteine and lipoprotein levels following resistance training in older adults. Preventive Cardiology. 2003;6(4):197–203. [PubMed]
Vincent KR, Braith RW, Feldman RA, Kallas HE, Lowenthal DT. Improved cardiorespiratory endurance following 6 months of resistance exercise in elderly men and women. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2002;162(6):673–8. [PubMed]
Vincent KR, Braith RW, Feldman RA, Magyari PM, Cutler RB, Persin SA, et al. Resistance exercise and physical performance in adults aged 60 to 83. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2002;50(6):1100–7. [PubMed]
Westhoff MH, Stemmerik L, Boshuizen HC. Effects of a low-intensity strength-training program on knee-extensor strength and functional ability of frail older people. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2000;8(4):325–42.
Wieser M, Haber P. The effects of systematic resistance training in the elderly. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2007;28(1):59–65. [PubMed]
Wood RH, Reyes R, Welsch MA, Favaloro-Sabatier J, Sabatier M, Lee CM, et al. Concurrent cardiovascular and resistance training in healthy older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2001;33(10):1751–8. [PubMed]

References to studies excluded from this review

Adami S, Gattie D, Braga V, Bianchini D, Rossini M. Site-specific effects of strength training on bone structure and geometry of ultradistal radius in postmenopausal women. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 1999;14(1):120–4. [PubMed]
Adams KJ, Swank AM, Berning JM, Sevene-Adams PG, Barnard KL, et al. Progressive strength training in sedentary older African American women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2001;33(9):1567–76. [PubMed]
* Agre JC, Pierce LE, Raab DM, McAdams M, Smith EL. Light resistance and stretching exercise in elderly women: effect upon strength. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1988;69(4):273–6. [PubMed]
Raab DM, Agre JC, McAdam M, Smith EL. Light resistance and stretching exercise in elderly women: effect upon flexibility. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1988;69(4):268–72. [PubMed]
Alexander JL. Effect of strength training on functional fitness in older chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Arizona State University; 2003. dissertation.
Aniansson A, Gustafsson E. Physical training in elderly men with special reference to quadriceps muscle strength and morphology. Clinical Physiology. 1981;1(1):87–98.
Annesi JJ, Gann S, Westcott WW, Annesi JJ, Gann S, Westcott WW. Preliminary evaluation of a 10-wk. resistance and cardiovascular exercise protocol on physiological and psychological measures for a sample of older women. Perceptual & Motor Skills. 2004;98(1):163–70. [PubMed]
Ardman O. The effects of strength training on strength, mobility and balance in two groups of institutionalized elderly subjects. Montreal (Quebec): McGill University; 1998. dissertation.
Ballard JE, McFarland C, Wallace LS, Holiday DB, Roberson G. The effect of 15 weeks of exercise on balance, leg strength, and reduction in falls in 40 women aged 65 to 89 years. Journal of the American Medical Womens Association. 2004;59(4):255–61. [PubMed]
Barbosa AR, Santarem JM, Filho WJ, Marucci MFN. Effects of resistance training on the sit-and-reach test in elderly women. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2002;16(1):14–8. [PubMed]
Baum K, Ruether T, Essfeld D. Reduction of blood pressure response during strength training through intermittent muscle relaxations. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2003;24(6):441–5. [PubMed]
Bean J, Herman S, Kiely DK, Callahan D, Mizer K, Frontera WR, et al. Weighted stair climbing in mobility-limited older people: a pilot study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2002;50(4):663–70. [PubMed]
Bellew JW, Yates JW, Gater DR. The initial effects of low-volume strength training on balance in untrained older men and women. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2003;17(1):121–8. [PubMed]
Beniamini Y, Rubenstein JJ, Zaichkowsky LD, Leonard D, Crim MC. Effects of high-intensity strength training on quality-of-life parameters in cardiac rehabilitation patients. American Journal of Cardiology. 1997;80(7):841–6. [PubMed]
Beniamini Y, Rubenstein JJ, Faigehbaum AD, Lichenstein AH, Crim MC. High-intensity strength training of patients enrolled in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. 1999;19(1):8–17. [PubMed]
Berg WP, Lapp BA. The effect of a “practical” resistance training intervention on mobility in independent, community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1998;6(1):18–35.
Bernard S, Whittom F, Leblanc P, Jobin J, Belleau R, Berube C, et al. Aerobic and strength training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. American Journal of Respiratory Care and Critical Care Medicine. 1999;159(3):896–901. [PubMed]
Bilodeau M, Keen DA, Sweeney PJ, Shields RW, Enoka RM. Strength training can improve steadiness in persons with essential tremor. Muscle and Nerve. 2000;23:771–8. [PubMed]
Binda SM, Culham EG, Brouwer B, Binda SM, Culham EG, Brouwer B. Balance, muscle strength, and fear of falling in older adults. Experimental Aging Research. 2003;29(2):205–19. [PubMed]
Binder EF, Schechtman KB, Ehsani AA, Steger-May K, Brown M, Sinacore DR, et al. Effects of exercise training on frailty in community-dwelling older adults: results of a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2002;50(12):1921–8. [PubMed]
Binder EF, Yarasheski KE, Steger-May K, Sinacore DR, Brown M, Schechtman KB, et al. Effects of progressive resistance training on body composition in frail older adults: Results of a randomized, controlled trial. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2005;60(11):1425–31. [PubMed]
Boardley D, Fahlman M, Topp R, Morgan AL, McNevin N. The impact of exercise training on blood lipids in older adults. American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. 2007;16(1):30–5. [PubMed]
Braith RW, Magyari PM, Pierce GL, Edwards DG, Hill JA, White LJ, et al. Effect of resistance exercise on skeletal muscle myopathy in heart transplant recipients. American Journal of Cardiology. 2005;95(10):1192–8. [PubMed]
Brandon LJ, Gaasch DA, Boyette LW, Lloyd AM. Effects of long-term resistive training on mobility and strength in older adults with diabetes. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2003;58(8):740–5. [PubMed]
Brandon LJ, Boyette LW, Lloyd A, Gaasch DA. Resistive training and long-term function in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2004;12(1):10–28. [PubMed]
* Brill PA, Matthews M, Mason J, Davis D, Mustafa T, Macera C. Improving functional performance through a group-based free weight strength training program in residents of two assisted living communities. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. 1998;15(3):57–69.
Brill PA, Probst JC, Greenhouse DL, Schell B, Macera CA. Clinical feasibility of a free-weight strength-training program for older adults. Journal of the American Board of Family Practice. 1998;11(6):445–51. [PubMed]
Brose A, Parise G, Tarnopolsky MA. Creatine supplementation enhances isometric strength and body composition improvements following strength exercise training in older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2003;58(1):11–9. [PubMed]
Brown AB, McCartney N, Sale DG. Positive adaptations to weight-lifting in the elderly. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1990;69(5):1725–33. [PubMed]
Brown M, Holloszy JO. Effects of a low intensity exercise program on selected physical performance characteristics of 60- to 70- year olds. Aging (Milan, Italy) 1991;3(2):129–39. [PubMed]
Brown M, Sinacore DR, Ehsani AA, Binder EF, Holloszy JO, Kohrt WM. Low-intensity exercise as a modifier of physical frailty in older adults. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2000;81(7):960–5. [PubMed]
Bunout B, Barrera G, de la Maza P, Avendano M, Gattas V, Petermann M, et al. Effects of nutritional supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength in free living elders. Results of one year follow. Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. 2004;8(2):68–75. [PubMed]
Bunout D, Barrera G, Avendano M, de la Maza P, Gattas V, Leiva L, et al. Results of a community-based weight-bearing resistance training programme for healthy Chilean elderly subjects. Age and Ageing. 2005;34(1):80–3. [PubMed]
Bunout D, Barrera G, de la Maza P, Avendano M, Gattas V, Petermann M, et al. The impact of nutritional supplementation and resistance training on the health and function of free-living Chilean elders: results of 18 months of follow-up. Journal of Nutrition. 2001;131(9):2441S–6S. [PubMed]
Bunout D, Barrera G, Leiva L, Gattas V, de la Maza MP, Avendano M, et al. Effects of vitamin D supplementation and exercise training on physical performance in Chilean vitamin D deficient elderly subjects. Experimental Gerontology. 2006;41(8):746–52. [PubMed]
Campbell WW, Joseph LJO, Anderson RA, Davey SL, Hinton J, Evans WJ. Effects of resistive training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle size in older women. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2002;12(2):125–35. MEDLINE: Wrong outcomes and involved medication, not RCT. [PubMed]
Campbell WW, Joseph LJO, Ostlund RE, Jr, Anderson RA, Farrell PA, Evans WJ. Resistive training and chromium picolinate: Effects on inositols and liver and kidney functions in older adults. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 2004;14(4):430–42. [PubMed]
Cancela Carral JM, Romo Perez V, Camina Fernandez F. Effect of strength program on a 65 years old elderly woman [Spanish] Gerokomos. 2003;14(2):80–9.
Candow DG, Chilibeck PD, Chad KE, Chrusch MJ, Shawn Davison K, Burke DG. Effect of ceasing creatine supplementation while maintaining resistance training in older men. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity. 2004;12(3):219–31. [PubMed]
Capodaglio P, Facioli M, Burroni E, Giordano A, Ferri A, Scaglioni G. Effectiveness of a home-based strengthening program for elderly males in Italy. A preliminary study. Aging-Clinical & Experimental Research. 2002;14(1):28–34. [PubMed]
Carter ND, Khan KM, McKay HA, Petit MA, Waterman C, Heinonen A, et al. Community-based exercise program reduces risk factors for falls in 65- to 75-year-old women with osteoporosis: randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2002;167(9):997–1004. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Carter JM, Bemben DA, Knehans AW, Bemben MG, Witten MS. Does nutritional supplementation influence adaptability of muscle to resistance training in men aged 48 to 72 years. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 2005;28(2):40–7. [PubMed]
Carvalho J, Oliveira J, Magalhaes J, Ascensao A, Cabri J, Soares JMC. The influence of initial strength levels on isokinetic torque after training in elderly adults; European College of Sport Science, Proceedings of the 7th annual congress of the European College of Sport Science; 2002 July 24-28; Athens Greece. Pashalidis Medical Publisher; p. 513.
Cauza E, Hanusch-Enserer U, Strasser B, Kostner K, Dunky A, Haber P. Strength and endurance training lead to different post exercise glucose profiles in diabetic participants using a continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring system. European Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2005;35(12):745–51. [PubMed]
Cauza E, Hanusch-Enserer U, Strasser B, Ludvik B, Metz-Schimmerl S, Pacini G, et al. The relative benefits of endurance and strength training on the metabolic factors and muscle function of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2005;86(8):1527–33. [PubMed]
Chaloupka V, Elbl L, Nehyba S. Strength training in patients after myocardial infarct. Vnitrni Lekarstvi. 2000;46(12):829–34. Silovy trenink u nemocnych po infarktu myokardu. [PubMed]
Chetlin RD, Gutmann L, Tarnopolsky M, Ullrich IH, Yeater RA. Resistance training effectiveness in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: recommendations for exercise prescription. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2004;85(8):1217–23. [PubMed]
Chiba A. Positive effects of resistance training on QOL in the frail elderly. Japanese Journal of Public Health. 2006;53(11):851–8. [PubMed]
Chien MY, Yang RS, Tsauo JY. Home-based trunk-strengthening exercise for osteoporotic and osteopenic postmenopausal women without fracture - A pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2005;19(1):28–36. [PubMed]
Connelly DM, Vandervoort AA. Effects of detraining on knee extensor strength and functional mobility in a group of elderly women. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 1997;26(6):340–6. [PubMed]
* Connelly DM, Vandervoort AA. Improvement in knee extensor strength of institutionalized elderly women after exercise with ankle weights. Physiotherapy Canada. 1995;41(1):15–23.
Connelly DM, Vandervoort AA. Effects of isokinetic strength training on concentric and eccentric torque development in the ankle dorsiflexors of older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2000;55:B465–72. [PubMed]
Cramp MC, Greenwood RJ, Gill M, Rothwell JC, Scott OM. Low intensity strength training for ambulatory stroke patients. Disability & Rehabilitation. 2006;28(13-14):883–9. [PubMed]
Cress ME, Thomas DP, Johnson J, Kasch FW, Cassens RG, Smith EL, et al. Effect of training on VO2 max, thigh strength and muscle morphology in septuagenarian women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1991;23:752–8. [PubMed]
Cress ME, Buchner DM, Questad KA, Esselman PC, de Lateur BJ, Schwartz RS. Exercise: effects on physical functional performance in older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 1999;54(5):M242–8. [PubMed]
Daepp C, Vogt M, Klossner S, Popp A, Lippuner K, Hoppeler H. Slimmer and stronger - the effect of eccentric exercise in the elderly. Schweizerische Zeitschrift Fuer Sportmedizin Und Sporttraumatologie/Revue Suisse De Medecine Et De Traumatologie Du Sport/Rivista Svizzera Di Medicina e Traumatologia Dello Sport. 2006;54(2):71. 1422–0644.
Daly RM, Dunstan DW, Owen N, Jolley D, Shaw JE, Zimmet PZ. Does high-intensity resistance training maintain bone mass during moderate weight loss in older overweight adults with type 2 diabetes? Osteoporosis International. 2005;16(12):1703–12. [PubMed]
de Bruin ED, Menzi C, Waelle R, Murer K. Strength training and balance performance compared to combined strength and agility training in elderly over 80 years: a three months RCT. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. 2004;12(1):33–4.
* de Bruin ED, Murer K. Effect of additional functional exercises on balance in elderly people. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2007;21(2):112–21. [PubMed]
de Vito G, Bernardi M, Forte R, Pulejo C, Figura F. Effects of a low-intensity programme on VO2 max and maximal instantaneous peak power in elderly women. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology. 1999;80(3):227–32. [PubMed]
DeBolt LS, McCubbin JA, DeBolt LS, McCubbin JA. The effects of home-based resistance exercise on balance, power, and mobility in adults with multiple sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2004;85(2):290–7. [PubMed]
Delagardelle C, Feiereisen P, Autier P, Shita R, Krecke R, Beissel J. Strength/endurance training versus endurance training in congestive heart failure. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002;34(12):1868–72. [PubMed]
Delecluse C, Colman V, Roelants M, Verschueren S, Derave W, Ceux T, et al. Exercise programs for older men: mode and intensity to induce the highest possible health-related benefits. Preventive Medicine. 2004;39(4):823–33. [PubMed]
De Vito CA, Morgan RO, Duque M, Abdel-Moty E, Virnig BA. Physical performance effects of low-intensity exercise among clinically defined high-risk elders. Gerontology. 2003;49(3):146–54. [PubMed]
Dibble LE, Hale T, Marcus RL, Gerber JP, Lastayo PC. The safety and feasibility of high-force eccentric resistance exercise in persons with Parkinson's disease. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2006;87(9):1280–2. [PubMed]
Dibble LE, Hale TF, Marcus RL, Droge J, Gerber JP, LaStayo PC. High-intensity resistance training amplifies muscle hypertrophy and functional gains in persons with Parkinson's disease. Movement Disorders. 2006;21(9):1444–52. [PubMed]
Dunstan DW, Daly RM, Owen N, Jolley D, De Courten M, Shaw J, et al. High-intensity resistance training improves glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2002;25(10):1729–36. [PubMed]
Dunstan DW, Daly RM, Owen N, Jolley D, Vulikh E, Shaw J, et al. Home-based resistance training is not sufficient to maintain improved glycemic control following supervised training in older individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2005;28(1):3–9. [PubMed]
Dupler TL, Cortes C. Effects of a whole-body resistive training regimen in the elderly. Gerontology. 1993;39(6):314–9. [PubMed]
Fernandez Ramirez AI, Fernandez Ramirez AS. Effect of an exercise program on physical fitness of institutionalized elderly men. Archivos de Medicina del Deporte. 1999;16(72):325–32.
Ferrara CM, Goldberg AP, Ortmeyer HK, Ryan AS. Effects of aerobic and resistive exercise training on glucose disposal and skeletal muscle metabolism in older men. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2006;61(5):480–7. [PubMed]
Ferri A, Scaglioni G, Pousson M, Capodaglio P, Van Hoecke J, Narici MV. Strength and power changes of the human plantar flexors and knee extensors in response to resistance training in old age. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 2003;177(1):69–78. [PubMed]
Fiatarone MA, Marks ED, Ryan ND, Meredith CN, Lipsitz LA, Evans WJ. High-intensity strength training in nonagenarians. Effects on skeletal muscle. JAMA. 1990;263(22):3029–34. [PubMed]
Fisher NM, Pendergast DR, Calkins E. Muscle rehabilitation in impaired elderly nursing home residents. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1991;72:181–5. [PubMed]
* Fisher NM, Pendergast DR, Gresham GE, Calkins E. Muscle rehabilitation: its effect on muscular and functional performance of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1991;72(6):367–74. [PubMed]
Forte R, De Vito G, Figura F. Effects of dynamic resistance training on heart rate variability in healthy older women. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2003;89(1):85–9. [PubMed]
Frontera WR, Meredith C, O'Reilly KP, Knuttgen HG, Evans W. Strength conditioning in older men: skeletal muscle hypertrophy and improved function. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1988;64(3):1038–44. [PubMed]
Frontera WR, Meredith CN, O'Reilly KP, Evans WJ. Strength training and determinants of VO2 Max in older men. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1990;68(1):329–33. [PubMed]
Galvao DA, Nosaka K, Taaffe DR, Spry N, Kristjanson LJ, McGuigan MR, et al. Resistance training and reduction of treatment side effects in prostate cancer patients. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2006;38(12):2045–52. [PubMed]
Grimby G, Aniansson A, Hedberg M, Henning GB, Grangard U, Kvist H. Training can improve muscle strength and endurance in 78- to 84-year-old men. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1992;73(6):2517–23. [PubMed]
Gur H, Cakin N, Akova B, Okay E, Kucukoglu S. Concentric versus combined concentric-eccentric isokinetic training: effects on functional capacity and symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2002;83(3):308–16. [PubMed]
Hageman PA, Thomas VS. Gait performance in dementia: the effects of a 6-week resistance training program in an adult day-care setting. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2002;17(4):329–34. [PubMed]
Hakkinen A, Sokka T, Kotaniemi A, Kautiainen H, Jappinen I, Laitinen L, et al. Dynamic strength training in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis increases muscle strength but not bone mineral density. Journal of Rheumatology. 1999;26(6):1257–63. [PubMed]
Hameed M, Lange KHW, Andersen JL, Schjerling P, Kjaer M, Harridge SDR, et al. The effect of recombinant human growth hormone and resistance training on IGF-I mRNA expression in the muscles of elderly men. Journal of Physiology. 2004;555(1):231–40. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Hartard M, Haber P, Ilieva D, Preisinger E, Seidl G, Huber J. Systematic strength training as a model of therapeutic intervention. A controlled trial in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 1996;75(1):21–8. [PubMed]
Haub MD, Wells AM, Tarnopolsky MA, Campbell WW. Effect of protein source on resistive-training-induced changes in body composition and muscle size in older men. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002;76(3):511–7. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Heiwe S, Clyne N, Tollback A, Borg K. Effects of regular resistance training on muscle histopathology and morphometry in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2005;84(11):865–74. [PubMed]
Henwood TR, Taaffe DR. Short-term resistance training and the older adult: The effect of varied programmes for the enhancement of muscle strength and functional performance. Clinical Physiology & Functional Imaging. 2006;26(5):305–13. [PubMed]
Hess JA, Woollacott M. Effect of high-intensity strength-training on functional measures of balance ability in balance-impaired older adults. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics. 2005;28(8):582–90. [PubMed]
Hess JA, Woollacott M, Shivitz N. Ankle force and rate of force production increase following high intensity strength training in frail older adults. Aging-Clinical & Experimental Research. 2006;18(2):107–115. [PubMed]
Hirsch MA, Toole T, Maitland CG, Rider RA. The effects of balance training and high-intensity resistance training on persons with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2003;84(8):1109–17. [PubMed]
Host HH, Sinacore DR, Bohnert KL, Steger-May K, Brown M, Binder EF. Training-induced strength and functional adaptations after hip fracture. Physical Therapy. 2007;87:292–303. [PubMed]
Huggett DL, Elliott ID, Overend TJ, Vandervoort AA. Comparison of heart-rate and blood-pressure increases during isokinetic eccentric versus isometric exercise in older adults. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity. 2004;12(2):157–69. [PubMed]
Hughes SL, Seymour RB, Campbell R, Pollak N, Huber G, Sharma L. Impact of the fit and strong intervention on older adults with osteoarthritis. Gerontologist. 2004;44(2):217–28. [PubMed]
Hughes SL, Seymour RB, Campbell RT, Huber G, Pollak N, Sharma L, et al. Long-term impact of fit and strong! On older adults with osteoarthritis. Gerontologist. 2006;46(6):801–14. [PubMed]
Humphries B, Newton RU, Bronks R, Marshall S, McBride J, Triplett-McBride T, et al. Effect of exercise intensity on bone density, strength, and calcium turnover in older women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2000;32(6):1043–50. [PubMed]
Hung C, Daub B, Black B, Welsh R, Quinney A, Haykowsky M. Exercise training improves overall physical fitness and quality of life in older women with coronary artery disease. Chest. 2004;126(4):1026–31. see comment. [PubMed]
Hunter GR, Treuth MS, Weinsier RL, Kekes-Szabo T, Kell SH, Roth DL, et al. The effects of strength conditioning on older women's ability to perform daily tasks. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1995;43(7):756–60. [PubMed]
Hunter GR, Bryan DR, Wetzstein CJ, Zuckerman PA, Bamman MM. Resistance training and intra-abdominal adipose tissue in older men and women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002;34(6):1023–8. [PubMed]
Ibanez J, Izquierdo M, Arguelles I, Forga L, Larrion JL, Garcia-Unciti M, et al. Twice-weekly progressive resistance training decreases abdominal fat and improves insulin sensitivity in older men with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2005;28(3):662–7. [PubMed]
Ivey FM, Tracy BL, Lemmer JT, NessAiver M, Metter EJ, Fozard JL, et al. Effects of strength training and detraining on muscle quality: age and gender comparisons. Journals of Gerontology Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2000;55(3):B152–7. [PubMed]
Johansen KL, Painter PL, Sakkas GK, Gordon P, Doyle J, Shubert T. Effects of resistance exercise training and nandrolone decanoate on body composition and muscle function among patients who receive hemodialysis: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2006;17(8):2307–14. [PubMed]
Jones D, Rutherford O. Human muscle strength training: The effects of three different regimes and the nature of the resultant changes. Journal of Physiology. 1987;391:1–11. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Judge JO, Kleppinger A, Kenny A, Smith JA, Biskup B, Marcella G. Home-based resistance training improves femoral bone mineral density in women on hormone therapy. Osteoporosis International. 2005;16(9):1096–108. [PubMed]
Katula JA, Sipe M, Rejeski WJ, Focht BC. Strength training in older adults: an empowering intervention. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2006;38(1):106–11. [PubMed]
Kerr D, Ackland T, Maslen B, Morton A, Prince R. Resistance training over 2 years increases bone mass in calcium-replete postmenopausal women. Journal of Bone & Mineral Research. 2001;16(1):175–81. [PubMed]
Kolbe-Alexander TL, Charlton KE, Lambert EV. Effectiveness of a community based low intensity exercise program for older adults. Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. 2006;10(1):21–9. [PubMed]
Komatireddy GR, Leitch RW, Cella K, Browning G, Minor M. Efficacy of low load resistive muscle training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis functional class II and III. Journal of Rheumatology. 1997;24(8):1531–9. [PubMed]
La Forge R. Effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on elderly bones. IDEA Health & Fitness Source. 2002;20(5):17. 1096–8156.
Labarque V, 'T Eijnde BO, Van Leemputte M. Resistance training alters torque-velocity relation of elbow flexors in elderly men. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002;34(5):851–56. L ' entrainement de force altere la relation torsion–velocite des muscles flechisseurs du coude chez les hommes ages. 0195–9131. [PubMed]
Lambert CP, Sullivan DH, Freeling SA, Lindquist DM, Evans WJ. Effects of testosterone replacement and/or resistance exercise on the composition of megestrol acetate stimulated weight gain in elderly men: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2002;87(5):2100–6. [PubMed]
Lambert CP, Sullivan DH, Evans WJ. Megestrol acetate-induced weight gain does not negatively affect blood lipids in elderly men: Effects of resistance training and testosterone replacement. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2003;58(7):644–647. [PubMed]
Lamotte M, Niset G, Van de Borne P. The effect of different intensity modalities of resistance training on beat-to-beat blood pressure in cardiac patients. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation. 2005;12(1):12–7. [PubMed]
Levinger I, Bronks R, Cody DV, Linton I, Davie A. Resistance training for chronic heart failure patients on beta blocker medications. International Journal of Cardiology. 2005;102(3):493–9. [PubMed]
Lexell J, Robertsson E, Stenstrom E. Effects of strength training in elderly women. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1992;40(2):190–1. letter. [PubMed]
Lexell J, Downham DY, Larsson Y, Bruhn E, Morsing B. Heavy-resistance training in older Scandinavian men and women: short- and long-term effects on arm and leg muscles. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 1995;5(6):329–41. [PubMed]
Littbrand H, Rosendahl E, Lindelof N, Lundin-Olsson L, Gustafson Y, Nyberg L. A high-intensity functional weight-bearing exercise program for older people dependent in activities of daily living and living in residential care facilities: evaluation of the applicability with focus on cognitive function. Physical Therapy. 2006;86(4):489–98. [PubMed]
Liu SW, Liu HB, Tang D. Strengthened training of knee joint isolated movement for ambulation ability in patients with stroke. Zhongguo Linchuang Kangfu. 2004;8(25):5214–5. Chinese.
Liu-Ambrose TYL, Khan KM, Eng JJ, Heinonen A, McKay HA. Both resistance and agility training increase cortical bone density in 75- to 85-year-old women with low bone mass: A 6-month randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Densitometry. 2004;7(4):390–8. [PubMed]
Loeppky JA, Gurney B, Kobayashi Y, Icenogle MV. Effects of ischemic training on leg exercise endurance. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 2005;42(4):511–21. [PubMed]
Lohman T, Going S, Pamenter R, Hall M, Boyden T, Houtkooper L, et al. Effects of resistance training on regional and total bone mineral density in premenopausal women: a randomized prospective study. Journal of Bone & Mineral Research. 1995;10(7):1015–24. [PubMed]
Maddalozzo GF, Snow CM. High intensity resistance training: effects on bone in older men and women. Calcified Tissue International. 2000;66(6):394–404. [PubMed]
Magnusson G, Gordon A, Kaijser L, Sylven C, Isberg B, Karpakka J, et al. High intensity knee extensor training in patients with chronic heart failure. European Heart Journal. 1996;17(7):1048–55. [PubMed]
Marcora SM, Lemmey AB, Maddison PJ. Can progressive resistance training reverse cachexia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Results of a pilot study. Journal of Rheumatology. 2005;32(6):1031–9. [PubMed]
Martin Ginis KA, Latimer AE, Brawley LR, Jung ME, Hicks AL. Weight training to activities of daily living: Helping older adults make a connection. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2006;38(1):116–21. [PubMed]
McCool J, Schneider J. Home-based leg strengthening for older adults initiated through private practice. Preventative Medicine. 1991;28:105–10. [PubMed]
McMurdo M, Rennie L. Improvements in quadriceps strength with regular seated exercise in the institutionalised elderly. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1994;75:600–3. [PubMed]
Mobily KE, Mobily PR, Raimondi RM, Walter KL, Rubenstein LM. Strength training and falls among older adults: a community-based TR intervention. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. 2004;13:1–11. 109–18.
Morey MC, Cowper PA, Feussner JR, DiPasquale RC, Crowley GM, Kitzman DW, et al. Evaluation of a supervised exercise program in a geriatric population. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1989;37:348–54. [PubMed]
Morey MC, Cowper PA, Feussner JR, DiPasquale RC, Crowley GM, Sullivan RJ., Jr Two-year trends in physical performance following supervised exercise among community-dwelling older veterans. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1991;39(6):549–54. [PubMed]
Morse CI, Thom JM, Mian OS, Muirhead A, Birch KM, Narici MV. Muscle strength, volume and activation following 12-month resistance training in 70-year-old males. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2005;95(2-3):197–204. [PubMed]
Narici MV, Roi GS, Landoni L, Minetti AE, Cerretelli P. Changes in force, cross-sectional area and neural activation during strength training and detraining of the human quadriceps. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology. 1989;59(4):310–9. [PubMed]
Hausdorff JM, Nelson ME, Kaliton D, Layne JE, Bernstein MJ, Nuernberger A, et al. Etiology and modification of gait instability in older adults: A randomized controlled trial of exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2001;90:2117–29. [PubMed]
* Nelson ME, Layne JE, Nuernberger A, Allen MJ, Judge J, Kailiton D, et al. Home-based exercise training in the frail elderly: Effects on physical performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1997;29(Suppl 5):S110.
Ochala J, Lambertz D, Van Hoecke J, Pousson M, Ochala J, Lambertz D, et al. Effect of strength training on musculotendinous stiffness in elderly individuals. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2005;94(1-2):126–33. [PubMed]
Ohira T, Schmitz KH, Ahmed RL, Yee D. Effects of weight training on quality of life in recent breast cancer survivors: the Weight Training for Breast Cancer Survivors (WTBS) study. Cancer. 2006;106(9):2076–83. [PubMed]
Oka RK, De Marco T, Haskell WL, Botvinick E, Dae MW, Bolen K, et al. Impact of a home-based walking and resistance training program on quality of life in patients with heart failure. American Journal of Cardiology. 2000;85(3):365–9. [PubMed]
Okawa T, Sato T, Koike T. Effect of exercises on bone mineral density and physical strength in elderly women. Nippon Rinsho - Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2004;62(Suppl 2):510–4. [PubMed]
Okumiya K, Matsubayashi K, Wada T, Kimura S, Doi Y, Ozawa T. Effects of exercise on neurobehavioral function in community-dwelling older people more than 75 years of age. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1996;44(5):569–72. [PubMed]
Panton LB, Golden J, Broeder CE, Browder KD, Cestaro-Seifer DJ, Seifer FD. The effects of resistance training on functional outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2004;91(4):443–9. [PubMed]
Parsons D, Foster V, Harman F, Dickinson A, Olivia P, Westerlind K. Balance and strength changes in elderly subjects after heavy resistance strength training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1992;24(Suppl 5):S21. abstract.
Perhonen M, Komi P, Hakkinen K, Von Bonsdorff H, Partio E. Strength training and neuromuscular function in elderly people with total knee endoprosthesis. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 1992;2:234–43.
Perkins L, Kaiser H. Results of short-term isotonic and isometric exercise programs in persons over sixty. Physical Therapy Review. 1961;41:633–5. [PubMed]
Perrig-Chiello P, Perrig WJ, Ehrsam R, Staehelin HB, Krings F. The effects of resistance training on well-being and memory in elderly volunteers. Age and Ageing. 1998;27(4):469–76. [PubMed]
Petrella R, Bartha C. Home based exercise therapy for older patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Rheumatology. 2000;27(9):2215–21. [PubMed]
Phillips WT, Ziuraitis JR. Energy cost of single-set resistance training in older adults. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2004;18(3):606–9. [PubMed]
Pyka G, Lindenberger E, Charette S, Marcux R. Muscle strength and fiber adaptations to a year-long resistance training program. Journal of Gerontology. 1994;49(1):M22–7. [PubMed]
Rabelo HT, Oliveira RJ, Bottaro M. Effects of resistance training on activities of daily living in older women. Biology of Sport. 2004;21(4):325–36. 0860–021X.
Ramsbottom R, Ambler A, Potter J, Jordan B, Nevill A, Williams C. The effect of 6 months training on leg power, balance, and functional mobility of independently living adults over 70 years old. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity. 2004;12(4):497–510. [PubMed]
Reeves ND, Narici MV, Maganaris CN. Effect of resistance training on skeletal muscle-specific force in elderly humans. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2004;14(2):134–5. Abstract. 0905–7188.
Reeves ND, Maganaris CN, Narici MV. Plasticity of dynamic muscle performance with strength training in elderly humans. Muscle & Nerve. 2005;31(3):355–64. [PubMed]
Reeves ND, Narici MV, Maganaris CN. Musculoskeletal adaptations to resistance training in old age. Manual Therapy. 2006;11(3):192–6. [PubMed]
Richards D. Efficacy of upper extremity strength training on upper extremity functional performance among elderly long-term care residents [thesis] Pittsburgh (PA): Univ. of Pittsburgh; 1996.
Roman WJ, Fleckenstein J, Stray-Gundersen J, Alway SE, Peshock R, Gonyea WJ. Adaptations in the elbow flexors of elderly males after heavy-resistance training. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1993;74(2):750–4. [PubMed]
Rooks D, Kiel D, Parsons C, Hayes W. Self-paced resistance training and walking exercise in community-dwelling older adults: effects on neuromotor performance. Journals of Gerontology Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 1997;52(3):M161–8. [PubMed]
Salli A, Ugurlu H, Emlik D. Comparison of the effectiveness of concentric, combined concentric-eccentric and isometric exercises on symptoms and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi. 2006;52(2):61–7. Diz Osteoartritinde Konsantrik, Kombine Konsantrik–Eksantrik ve Izometrik Egzersizlerin Semptomlar ve Fonksiyonel Kapasite Uzerine Etkinliginin Karsilastirilmasi.
Sallinen J, Pakarinen A, Fogelholm M, Sillanpaa E, Alen M, Volek JS, et al. Serum basal hormone concentrations and muscle mass in aging women: effects of strength training and diet. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 2006;16(3):316–31. [PubMed]
Sanders S. The effects of two modes of strength training on elderly men [thesis] Minneapolis (MN): Walden University; 1998.
Sartorio A, Lafortuna C, Capodaglio P, Vangeli V, Narici MV, Faglia G. Effects of a 16-week progressive high-intensity strength training (HIST) on indexes of bone turnover in men over 65 years: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. 2001;24(11):882–6. [PubMed]
Sauvage LJ, Myklebust B, Crow-Pan J, Novak S, Millington P, Hoffman MD, et al. A clinical trial of strengthening and aerobic exercise to improve gait and balance in elderly male nursing home residents. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1992;71:333–42. [PubMed]
Sayers SP, Bean J, Cuoco A, LeBrasseur NK, Jette A, Fielding RA. Changes in function and disability after resistance training: does velocity matter? A pilot study. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2003;82(8):605–13. [PubMed]
Schott N, Konietzny S, Raschka C. Red ginseng enhances the effectiveness of strength training in elderly: A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Ganzheitsmedizin. 2006;18(7-8):376–83. Einfluss von Rotem Ginseng auf ein Krafttraining bei alteren Erwachsenen: Eine randomisierte placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie.
Sharp S, Brouwer B. Isokinetic strength training of the hemiparetic knee: effects on function and spasticity. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1997;78:1231–6. [PubMed]
Shaw JM, Snow CM. Weighted vest exercise improves indices of fall risk in older women. Journals of Gerontology Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 1998;53(1):M53–8. [PubMed]
Sherrington C, Lord SR. Home exercise to improve strength and walking velocity after hip fracture: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1997;78:208–12. [PubMed]
Signorile JF, Carmel MP, Lai S, Roos BA. Early plateaus of power and torque gains during high- and low-speed resistance training of older women. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2005;98(4):1213–20. [PubMed]
Sinaki M, Wahner H, Bergstralh E, Hodgson SF, Offord KP, Squires RW, et al. Three-year controlled, randomized trial of the effect of dose-specified loading and strengthening exercises on bone mineral density of spine and femur in nonalthletic, physically active women. Bone. 1996;19(3):233–44. [PubMed]
Sipila S, Suominen H. Knee extension strength and walking speed in relation to quadriceps muscle composition and training in elderly women. Clinical Physiology. 1994;14(4):433–42. [PubMed]
Spruit MA, Gosselink R, Troosters T, De Paepe K, Decramer M. Resistance versus endurance training in patients with COPD and peripheral muscle weakness. European Respiratory Journal. 2002;19(6):1072–8. [PubMed]
Sullivan DH, Wall PT, Bariola JR, Bopp MM, Frost YM. Progressive resistance muscle strength training of hospitalized frail elderly. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2001;80:503–9. [PubMed]
Taaffe DR, Marcus R. Dynamic muscle strength alterations to detraining and retraining in elderly men. Clinical Physiology. 1997;17(3):311–24. [PubMed]
Teixeira R, Guerra S, Esculcas C, Ribeiro JC, Carvalho J, Mota J. Influence of age on physical fitness improvements after training on elderly women. Koskolou. 2002;514 Abstract.
Teixeira PJ, Going SB, Houtkooper LB, Metcalfe LL, Blew RM, Flint-Wagner HG, et al. Resistance training in postmenopausal women with and without hormone therapy. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2003;35(4):555–62. [PubMed]
Teixeira-Salmela LF, Santiago L, Lima RC, Lana DM, Camargos FF, Cassiano JG. Functional performance and quality of life related to training and detraining of community-dwelling elderly. Disability & Rehabilitation. 2005;27(17):1007–12. [PubMed]
Thielman GT, Dean CM, Gentile AM. Rehabilitation of reaching after stroke: Task-related training versus progressive resistive exercise. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2004;85(10):1613–8. [PubMed]
Thomas KJ, Tomsic JB, Martin MS. Does participation in light to moderate strength and endurance exercise result in measurable physical benefits for older adults? Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 2004;27(2):53–8.
Thomas GN, Hong AW, Tomlinson B, Lau E, Lam CW, Sanderson JE, et al. Effects of Tai Chi and resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in elderly Chinese subjects: a 12-month longitudinal, randomized, controlled intervention study. Clinical Endocrinology. 2005;63(6):663–9. [PubMed]
Thompson RF, Crist DM, Marsh M, Rosenthal M. Effects of physical exercise for elderly patients with physical impairments. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1988;36(2):130–5. [PubMed]
Timonen L, Rantanen T, Ryynanen OP, Taimela S, Timonen TE, Sulkava R. A randomized controlled trial of rehabilitation after hospitalization in frail older women: effects on strength, balance and mobility. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2002;12(3):186–92. [PubMed]
Timonen L, Rantanen T, Makinen E, Timonen TE, Tormakangas T, Sulkava R. Effects of group-based exercise program on functional abilities in frail older women after hospital discharge. Aging-Clinical & Experimental Research. 2006;18(1):50–6. [PubMed]
Timonen L, Rantanen T, Timonen TE, Sulkava R. Effects of a group-based exercise program on the mood state of frail older women after discharge from hospital. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2006;17(12):1106–11. [PubMed]
Treuth MS, Ryan AS, Pratley RE, Rubin MA, Miller JP, Nicklas BJ, et al. Effects of strength training on total and regional body composition in older men. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1994;77(2):614–20. [PubMed]
Trudelle-Jackson E, Smith SS. Effects of a late-phase exercise program after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2004;85(7):1056–62. [PubMed]
Tsuji I, Tamagawa A, Nagatomi R, Irie N, Ohkubo T, Saito M, et al. Randomised controlled trial of exercise training for older people: study design and primary outcome. Journal of Epidemiology. 2000;10(1):55–64. [PubMed]
Vad E, Worm C, Lauritsen JM, Poulsen PB, Puggaard L, Stovring H, et al. Physical training as treatment of reduced functional ability in frail 75+ year-olds living at home. A randomized intervention study in general practice with technological assessment elements. Ugeskrift for Laeger. 2002;164(44):5140–4. Fysisk traening som behandling af nedsat funktionsevne hos svage, hjemmeboende 75+ –arige. Et randomiseret interventionsstudie i almen praksis omfattende elementer til en teknologivurdering. [PubMed]
Vale RGS, Damasceno V, Cordeiro LS, Baptista MR, Pernambuco CS, Motta T, et al. Effects of supine resistance strength training in independent elderly women. Fitness & Performance Journal. 2003;2(4):255. Efeitos de um treinamento resistido de forca no supino reto em idosas independentes [Abstract] 1519–9088.
Valkeinen H, Hakkinen K, Pakarinen A, Hannonen P, Hakkinen A, Airaksinen O, et al. Muscle hypertrophy, strength development, and serum hormones during strength training in elderly women with fibromyalgia. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 2005;34(4):309–14. [PubMed]
Van den Ende CH, Breedveld FC, le Cessie S, Dijkmans BA, de Mug AW, Hazes JM. Effect of intensive exercise on patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised clinical trial. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2000;59(8):615–21. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Vanbiervliet W, Pelissier J, Ledermann B, Kotzki N, Benaim C, Herisson C, et al. Strength training with elastic bands: measure of its effects in cardiac rehabilitation after coronary diseases. Annales de Readaptation et de Medecine Physique. 2003;46(8):545–52. Le renforcement musculaire par bandes elastiques: evaluation de ses effets dans le reentrainement a l'effort du coronarien. [PubMed]
Veloso U, Monteiro W, Farinatti P. Do continuous and intermittent exercises sets induce similar cardiovascular responses in the elderly women? Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte. 2003;9(2):85–90. 1517–8692.
Verfaillie D, Nichols J, Turkel E, Hovell M. Effects of resistance, balance and gait training on reduction of risk factors leading to falls in elders. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1997;5:213–28.
Villareal DT, Binder EF, Yarasheski KE, Williams DB, Brown M, Sinacore DR, et al. Effects of exercise training added to ongoing hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density in frail elderly women. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2003;51(7):985–90. [PubMed]
Villareal DT, Holloszy JO. DHEA enhances effects of weight training on muscle mass and strength in elderly women and men. American Journal of Physiology -Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006;291(5):E1003–8. [PubMed]
Vincent KR, Vincent HK, Braith RW, Lennon SL, Lowenthal DT. Resistance exercise training attenuates exercise-induced lipid peroxidation in the elderly. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2002;87(4/5):416–23. 1439–6327. [PubMed]
Vincent KR, Vincent HK, Braith RW, Bhatnagar V, Lowenthal DT. Strength training and hemodynamic responses to exercise. American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. 2003;12(2):97–106. [PubMed]
Vincent KR, Braith RW, Vincent HK. Influence of resistance exercise on lumbar strength in older, overweight adults. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2006;87(3):383–9. 0003–9993. [PubMed]
Woo J, Hong A, Lau E, Lynn H. A randomised controlled trials of Tai Chi and resistance exercise on bone health, muscle strength and balance in community-living elderly people. Age and Ageing. 2007;36:262–8. [PubMed]
Yang Y, Wang R, Lin K, Chu M, Chan R. Task-oriented progressive resistance strength training improves muscle strength and functional performance in individuals with stroke. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2006;20(10):860–70. [PubMed]
Zion AS, De Meersman R, Diamond BE, Bloomfield DM, Zion AS, De Meersman R, et al. A home-based resistance-training program using elastic bands for elderly patients with orthostatic hypotension. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2003;13(4):286–92. [PubMed]

References to studies awaiting assessment

Bennell KL, Hunt MA, Wrigley TV, Hunter DJ. The effects of hip muscle strengthening on knee load, pain, and function in people with knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for a randomised, single-blind controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2007;8:121. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Cheema B, Abas H, Smith B, O'Sullivan A, Chan M, Patwardhan A, et al. Progressive exercise for anabolism in kidney disease (PEAK): a randomized, controlled trial of resistance training during hemodialysis. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2007;18(5):1594–601. [PubMed]
Fahlman M, Morgan A, McNevin N, Topp R, Boardley D. Combination training and resistance training as effective interventions to improve functioning in elders. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity. 2007;15(2):195–205. [PubMed]
* Henwood TR, Riek S, Taaffe DR. Strength versus muscle power-specific resistance training in community-dwelling older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2008;63(1):83–91. [PubMed]
Karinkanta S, Heinonen A, Sievanen H, Uusi-Rasi K, Pasanen M, Ojala K, et al. A multi-component exercise regimen to prevent functional decline and bone fragility in home-dwelling elderly women: randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporosis International. 2007;18(4):453–62. MEDLINE: Yes. [PubMed]
Lin DH, Lin YF, Chai HM, Han YC, Jan MH. Comparison of proprioceptive functions between computerized proprioception facilitation exercise and closed kinetic chain exercise in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Clinical Rheumatology. 2007;26(4):520–8. erratum appears in Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Apr;26(4):617 Note: Chai, Hei-Min [corrected to Chai, Huei-Ming] MEDLINE: yes. [PubMed]
Mitchell SL, Stott DJ, Martin BJ, Grant SJ. Randomized controlled trial of quadriceps training after proximal femoral fracture. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2001;15(3):282–290. [PubMed]
O'Shea SD, Taylor NF, Paratz JD. A predominantly home-based progressive resistance exercise program increases knee extensor strength in the short-term in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. 2007;53(4):229–37. [PubMed]
Raso V, Benard G, Da Silva Duarte AJ, Natale VM. Effect of resistance training on immunological parameters of healthy elderly women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2007;39(12):2152–9. [PubMed]
Williams AD, Carey MF, Selig S, Hayes A, Krum H, Patterson J, et al. Circuit resistance training in chronic heart failure improves skeletal muscle mitochondrial ATP production rate - a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2007;13(2):79–85. [PubMed]

Additional references

  • Guideline for the prevention of falls in older persons. American Geriatrics Society, British Geriatrics Society, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2001;49(5):664–72. [PubMed]
  • Brosseau L, MacLeay L, Welch V, Tugwell P, Wells G. Intensity of exercise for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2003;(2) doi: 10.1002/14651858CD004259. [PubMed] [Cross Ref]
  • Buchner DM. Understanding variability in studies of strength training in older adults: a meta-analytic perspective. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. 1993;8(3):1–21.
  • Buchner D, Larson E, Wagner E, Koepsell T, De Lateur B. Evidence for a non-linear relationship between leg strength and gait speed. Age and Ageing. 1996;25:386–91. [PubMed]
  • Chandler JM, Hadley EC. Exercise to improve physiologic and functional performance in old age. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 1996;12(4):761–84. [PubMed]
  • Doherty TJ, Vandervoort AA, Brown WF. Effects of ageing on the motor unit: A brief review. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology. 1993;18(4):331–58. [PubMed]
  • Fiatarone M, Evans W. The etiology and reversibility of muscle dysfunction in the aged. Journals of Gerontology. 1993;48(special):77–83. [PubMed]
  • Frontera W, Meredith CN, O'Reilly K, Knuttgen H, Evans W. Strength conditioning in older men: skeletal muscle hypertrophy and improved function. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1988;64(3):1038–44. [PubMed]
  • Gillespie LD, Gillespie WJ, Robertson MC, Lamb SE, Cumming RG, Rowe BH. Interventions for preventing falls in elderly people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;(2) doi: 10.1002/14651858CD000340.pub2. [PubMed] [Cross Ref]
  • Guralnik J, Ferrucci L, Simonsick E, Salive M, Wallace R. Lower-extremity function in persons over the age of 70 years as a predictor of subsequent disability. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1995;332:556–61. [PubMed]
  • Higgins JPT, Green S. Highly sensitive search strategies for identifying reports of randomized controlled trials in MEDLINE. [accessed 01 May 2007];Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 4 2 6. updated September 2006; Appendix 5b. www.cochrane.org/resources/handbook/hbook.htm.
  • Howe TE, Rochester L, Jackson A, Banks PMH, Blair VA. Exercise for improving balance in older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007;(4) doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004963.pub2. [PubMed] [Cross Ref]
  • Keysor JJ, Jette AM. Have we oversold the benefit of late-life exercise? Journals of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. 2001;56A(7):M412–M23. [PubMed]
  • King AC, Rejeski WJ, Buchner DM. Physical activity interventions targeting older adults: a critical review and recommendations. American Journal of Preventative Medicine. 1998;15(4):316–33. [PubMed]
  • King AC. Interventions to promote physical activity by older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2001;56(Spec No 2):36–46. [PubMed]
  • Mazzeo RS, Cavanagh P, Evans WJ, Fiatarone M, Hagberg J, McAuley E, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand: exercise and physical activity for older adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1998;30(6):992–1008. [PubMed]
  • Nagi SZ. Disability concepts revisited: Implications for prevention. In: Pope AM, Tarlov AR, editors. Disability in America: Toward a national agenda for prevention. Washington, D.C: National Academy Press; 1991. pp. 309–327.
  • Province MA, Hadley EC, Hornbrook MC, Lipsitz LA, Philip-Miller J, Mulrow CD, et al. The effects of exercise on falls in elderly patients. A preplanned meta-analysis of the FICSIT trials. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1995;273(17):1341–7. [PubMed]
  • Singh MA. Exercise comes of age: rationale and recommendations for a geriatric exercise prescription. Journals of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. 2002;57(5):M262–82. [PubMed]
  • Tinetti M, Williams T, Mayewski R. Fall risk index for elderly patients based on number of chronic disabilities. The American Journal of Medicine. 1986;80:429–34. [PubMed]
  • World Health Organization. ICIDH-2: International classification of functioning, disability and health (final draft) Geneva: World Health Organization; 2001.

References to other published versions of this review

  • Latham NK, Anderson CS, Bennett DA, Stretton C. Progressive resistance strength training for physical disability in older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2003a;(2) doi: 10.1002/1465.1858.CD002759. [PubMed] [Cross Ref]
  • Latham NK, Bennett DA, Stretton CM, Anderson CS. Systematic review of progressive resistance strength training in older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2004;59(1):48–61. [PubMed]