Exercise and Positive Living in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS

Role of Environment on Physical Activity Patterns of Older Adults Living With HIV in New York City

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to survey the physical activity (PA) patterns of older adults with HIV and investigate the relationship between environmental factors and PA in this population. This study was a secondary data analysis from 100 adults, ages 50 years and older, living with HIV in New York City. Descriptive statistics assessed PA patterns. Linear regression assessed the association between environmental factors and time spent in PA. All participants had been living with HIV for 21 years on average, were on antiretroviral therapy, ranged in age from 50 to 71 years, and were 50% female. Participants performed at 75% of their functional capacity ( p < .0001), and females walked less than males ( p < .05). Traffic hazards were the sole environmental predictor of PA participation. Targeted interventions are needed to increase PA in this growing population. Interventions at the policy level should reduce traffic hazards to support PA.

Effectiveness of mobile text reminder in improving adherence to medication, physical exercise, and quality of life in patients living with HIV: a systematic review

Background

Mobile text reminder (SMS) system is considered a viable strategy for targeting/facilitating healthy behavioural change including adherence to prescribed physical exercises (PE) and medication (antiretroviral therapy-ART) which should improve the quality of life (Qol) in people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA). Thus, the literature was appraised for evidence of SMS effectiveness in improving ART and PE adherence behaviours and QoL in PLWHA.

Methods

Eight databases–AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, EMCARE, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PubMed-were searched up to December 2020, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol.This review included only randomised control trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of SMS in improving QoL or PE or ART adherence behaviour or a combination of these variables in PLWHA >18 years. Two independent reviewers determined the eligibility of the studies. Data were extracted and the quality of the study was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool. The primary outcomes were ART and PE adherence behaviours while the secondary outcome was QoL.

Result

A pooled estimate of effect was not calculated due to the heterogeneity of methods and outcome measures. Therefore, a narrative synthesis of ten studies that met the inclusion criteria (n = 1621 participants at study completion) comprising males/females, aged ≥ 18 years, was done. There was a significant improvement in ART adherence behaviour except in three underpowered studies. Only the SMS interventions that were developed using the Starks 3-steps Adherence model was associated with positive outcome. The only study that evaluated QoL was underpowered and reported no significant change while there were no RCTs on PE.

Conclusion

Effects of SMS intervention trends towards a significant improvement in ART adherence behaviour in PLWHA. It is plausible that SMS reminders developed using the broader framework of the interpersonal health behaviour theory(ies) may have positive outcome. Nevertheless, the observed heterogeneity in the methods/outcome measures warrants a cautious interpretation of the findings. There is a lack/paucity of RCTs and therefore no evidence in support of the effectiveness of SMS intervention in improving PE adherence and QoL. Registration number NPLASY202060016.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06563-0.

Effects of Exercise on the Immune Function, Quality of Life, and Mental Health in HIV/AIDS Individuals

Physical exercise is a common type of planned physical activity in order to enhance or maintain a person's physical fitness. Physical exercise may act as an effective strategy to take control of certain conditions associated with HIV-1 infection. HIV infection and its related treatments not only affect the immune system but also cause several musculoskeletal disorders including pre-sarcopenia or sarcopenia, myalgia, and low bone mineral density. Moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise, progressive resistance exercise, or a combination of both is considered as a complementary part of medical care and treatment of HIV-infected individuals. In the present chapter, the results of recent investigations regarding the effects of physical activity on muscle strength and function, mental health, and immune system of HIV infected individuals will be discussed.

Supervised Physical Activity and Improved Functional Capacity among Adults Living with HIV: A Systematic Review

Physical activity (PA) combats the effects of multimorbidity and antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV (PLWH), but PLWH often don't meet recommended PA guidelines. The purpose of our review was to investigate whether supervised PA improved functional capacity in PLWH. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials in English, with participants ages 18 years and older, and a supervised PA intervention. A database search yielded 8,267 articles, with 15 eligible for review inclusion. We found a low risk of bias within and across studies. Combined aerobic/progressive resistance training (PRT) improved strength, cardiovascular, and flexibility outcomes; aerobic interventions alone showed no significant improvements; PRT improved strength outcomes; yoga or yoga/meditation showed no outcome differences; and t'ai chi showed cardiovascular and flexibility improvements. We found that supervised PA increased functional capacity in PLWH and that self-report was not a reliable assessment.