OBJECTIVE: To determine whether short (maximally 8 weeks) training programmes designed to increase muscle strength are effective in older individuals (aged 60 and older) METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials published after 1992 focused on the content (design, population, intervention, features, measurements and results), methodological quality (PEDro score), effectiveness (effect sizes), and the clinical relevance (according to van Tulder) of the studies. A best evidence synthesis was done (according to van Tulder). RESULTS: Six studies were included in the review. The methodological quality of these studies was fairly homogeneous (PEDro score 4 to 6) but the content varied considerably with a total of 313 elderly, a mean age varying between 69.9 and 78.8 years, and a programme duration of between 2 and 8 weeks. Three studies reported an increase in muscle strength (varying between +16.5% and +4.26%, with a median one-repetition maximum of +4 kg). One study reported an increase in the strength of some of the muscle groups studied, with an increase in total muscle strength of 32.8%. Effect sizes reported in four studies varied between -0354 and 2.87. The intensity of the strength training programmes was sometimes difficult to reproduce. The level of evidence of the review was 'conflicting' for both strength programmes and strength training programmes in combination with aerobic training. CONCLUSION(S): There is no solid evidence that short (maximally 8 weeks) training programmes increase the muscle strength of older individuals (aged 60 and older). Research of a better methodological quality is needed to gain clarity about this.

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