In this work we aimed to perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials within an aging population that investigated the general impacts of a resistance training (RT) protocol on key outcome measures relating to gait and/or balance. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines, two electronic databases (PubMed, and Scopus) were searched for randomized controlled trials that measured at least one key outcome measure focusing on gait and/or balance in older adults. 3794 studies were identified, and after duplicates were removed, 1913 studies remained. 1886 records were removed due to the abstract not meeting the inclusion criteria. 28 full-text articles were assessed further, and 20 of the articles were identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion. The remaining 20 studies were assessed for quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale; 12 studies remained and were included in this systematic review. Our review suggests that RT has a positive effect on both gait and balance in an elderly population. RT improves gait, specifically straight-line walking speed in older adults. RT is an adequate training method to improve balance in an aging population. Improvements in strength, attributed to RT, may allow for greater autonomy and independence to carry out activities of daily living as we age.
Keywords: aging; balance; gait; resistance training; strength training; walking speed.