One substantial difference in the methodology of the present review when compared with other Cochrane reviews in the area (Mishra et al, 2012a, 2012b) is that we only included studies where the essential metrics of exercise behaviour are reported.
Subjective metrics of exercise behaviour, for example, metabolic equivalents derived from questionnaires (Ainsworth et al, 2011 ), are often used in these reports and we agree that objective measurement of exercise behaviour are preferable in clinical trials.
Importantly, the fundamental metrics of exercise behaviour, that is, frequency, intensity and duration, or repetitions, sets and intensity of resistance training, although easy to devise and report, are seldom included in published clinical trials.
Using these essential metrics of exercise prescription will not only help to achieve a balance between safe yet effective exercise but will also ensure that meaningful re-evaluation over time can be undertaken, as adaptation or disease progression dictates.
