Abstract: Aging is associated with declines of the muscular strength and cardiorespiratory functions, resulting in an impaired capacity to perform daily activities. Frailty is a clinical geriatric syndrome characterized by decreases in the biological functional reserve and resistance to stressors, which puts older individuals at special risk of disability. To counteract the muscular strength and cardiorespiratory functions declines associated with aging, as well as to prevent and treat the frailty syndrome, the strength and endurance training seems to be an effective strategy to improve muscular strength and endurance performance. This article reviewed the exercise prescription in health and frail elderly subjects according to the current situation of the researches about muscular strength and cardiorespiratory function training. Based on the results found, for the healthy older adults, strength training should be performed at moderate- to high-intensity (60%-80% of 1 RM ), and moderate volume (2-3 sets per exercise, 2-3 times/week ). Also, endurance training should be performed at moderate- to high-intensity (60%-85% of VO_2max), and moderat volume (25-40 min). The frail older adults should exercise 2-3 times a week, for 45-60 min. Strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance training components should be incorporated, and strength and balance training should be emphasized.

Key words: muscular strength, cardiorespiratory functions, exercise prescription, older adults, fraility