Strength training and light physical activity reduces the apnea-hypopnea index in institutionalized older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of 7 weeks of resistance training and walking on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in institutionalized older adults compared with a usual care control group. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Ten nursing and 3 assisted living facilities in Arkansas. PARTICIPANTS: Institutionalized older adults. INTERVENTIONS: Exercise group (EG) performed supervised resistance training to arm and hip extensors on 3 days a week with additional 2 days a week of light walking. Usual care group (UC) participated in the usual activities provided within their living facility. MEASUREMENTS: Two nights of polysomnography before and following 7-week intervention. RESULTS: Adjusted means in the EG group showed a decrease in AHI from 20.2 (SD ±1.3) at baseline to 16.7 (SD ±0.9) at 7 weeks. Absolute strength gains were not associated with improved AHI. CONCLUSION: Supervised resistance training and light walking reduced the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in institutionalized older adults.

Explosive nasofacial cryptococosis.

Cryptococcal skin infection in persons with AIDS has been demonstrated. We describe a patient with nasal and facial infection with cryptococci after traumatic injury with battery acid.