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Functional ability is the mainstay of independence in older people. However, there has long been debate over the components of exercise training necessary to improve function. Back in the early 1990's trials were starting to report that explosive power might be more predictive of functional ability than isometric strength [1]. There have been many trials and, more recently, reviews that have considered the effects of either strength training [2] or power training [3] on function, but the paper by Tschopp et al. [4], in this issue, is the first meta-analysis of trials of ‘head-to-head’ comparisons of power training versus conventional resistance training in older people (aged 60+ years). The review included data from 11 studies, involving 377 participants and the authors concluded that improvements in functional outcomes were slightly greater with power training. There did not appear to be any significant differences for strength or power outcomes between the exercise training types. Furthermore, there was no evidence that effects on function were maintained beyond the end of the exercise programme as none of the studies provided follow-up data.

Issue Section:
Editorial
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